Sunset photos have you thought about including them? Sure you have thought about a first look, but that’s not where the magic of the day ends. I love doing first looks on a wedding day, they are a great time to capture that raw emotional moment between a bride and groom without you feeling the pressure of hundreds of guests watching you see your soon to be husband for the first time all spiffed up in his suite.

You can read more on reasons to do a first look here, but today I’m here to talk a little about a problem that creates, but the wonderful advantage that also appears when you do a first look.  One disadvantage is if you have your first look at 3 pm in North Dakota, you are going to have some strong direct lighting, this is why I always try to find a shady spot outside or a spot indoors to have the first look.

Harsh direct sunlight in the middle of the day can make it hard to get that dreamy romantic sun-kissed images

Harsh direct sunlight in the middle of the day can make it hard to get those dreamy romantic sun-kissed images both you and I love! However in North Dakota, if your wedding is in the summer at 5 pm, you likely still have 3-4 hours of sunlight left after the ceremony is over.  This means I can usually steal you and your now husband for sunset photos while your guests are busy eating dinner, or enjoying that awesome band or DJ you hired, and they won’t miss you one bit!

Guest won’t miss you one bit!

Another advantage is that by this point in the day you guys are super comfortable with me, each other, how your dress moves, and just ready for a good time!  This totally shows in front of the camera.  Plus you and your husband have that fresh “hey we did it, we are totally married and its time to party” look to you!

Sunset photos only take about 15-20 minutes

If you hadn’t thought much about scheduling in time for sunset photos now is the time to pencil in 15-20 mins.  I suggest that you do this before the cake cutting! Just in case your new husband decides to get you back with a hand full of cake in the face!

Here are some of my favorite sun-drenched sunset photos so you can get an idea of what we can create together!