When planning your Cayman beach portraits, you may be weighing up timing, packages, costs, style and so many other factors. One factor that may seem like an obvious choice might be going for the golden hour/sunset shoot (sunrise shoots are similar).
Honestly, when photographing in the Caribbean, there’s no time of day that’s not beautiful. Each offers its own beauty and considerations. Here are a few things to help you choose.
Bright Blues & Morning Portrait Sessions
Morning light tends to give us truer blues in the sky and ocean, with the fresh, vibrant colours typical of our Caribbean landscapes, such as shades of green in local foliage and The photographs can have a vibrant and crisp, true to Cayman appearance, and beaches may have fewer people and more space to enjoy your photoshoot.
I usually begin morning sessions between 7am and 8am. Sunrise is also an option, starting around 5:30am–6:30am, depending on the time of year.
If your like getting an early start to your day or you’ve already booked evening plans, a morning shoot may be a good option for your family portraits. I always tell families it’s priceless to end a morning session with a dip in the deep blue sea. Lots of sandy cuddles and salty kisses make for precious memories and warm family moments.
Some downsides would be that mornings get increasingly warm and bright. Earlier sessions are usually more comfortable, with less heat and glare. Later on, you may find yourselves squinting and sweating as the sun gets higher, hence ending the shoot earlier and with a nice dip in Cayman’s waters.
Pastel Skies & Sunset Portrait Sessions
Unsurprsingly, clients mainly book sunset sessions. Sunset beach portraits in Grand Cayman have softer, changing light that becomes warmer as the sun lowers. Colours can shift into golden hues, followed by soft pinks, purples and blues. This has various daily, depending on weather, but even cloudy evenings can have brilliant, gorgeous sunsets. Strangely, even on rainy days, it’s almost never raining at sunset, perhaps due to cooler temperatures reducing evaporation, but I’m no scientist. I always tell my clients, we almost never have to cancel
Starting around 5pm–to sunset, depending on the time of year and your session collection.
Evenings can be more convenient if your family prefers a slower morning. The temperature also tends to cool toward the end of the session, making it more comfortable to enjoy those cuddles and moments together by the sea.
Some downsides would be busier beaches and wind moving your hair and clothing. If your little ones are usually tired by late afternoon, a morning session may be a better option.
Which Is Right for Your Family?
Think about the colours you love and when your family is happiest.
Mornings offer those bright tropical blues, while sunset can bring warmer light and pastel skies. Both are beautiful in different ways.
Browse my blog and submit an enquiry below, to begin planning your beach portraits.