Alicante Beach Photo Shoot at Sunset or Sunrise? Which Should You Choose?

When planning a beach photo shoot, choosing the right time of day can make all the difference. Both sunrise and sunset offer incredible conditions for photography — from soft, flattering light to fewer people on the beach and cooler temperatures during the warmer months. At Playa San Juan, you truly get the best of both worlds, with the sun rising over the sea and setting behind the beach. Here's a look at some examples to help you decide which time might be the best fit for your session.

If you're an early riser (or willing to become one for a day!), sunrise can offer breathtaking results. At Playa San Juan, the sun rises directly over the sea, creating a stunning golden glow that’s perfect for those bright, warm-toned images.

In the early moments just after sunrise, the light is golden, and directional — ideal for creating a warm, dreamy atmosphere. As the sun climbs higher, the light becomes brighter and more contrasty, adding a vibrant, energetic feel to your photos.

Another big advantage of sunrise sessions is the serenity: there are usually very few people on the beach in the early morning hours, giving us more freedom to move around and find beautiful backdrops without distractions.

Sunset photo shoots bring a different, equally beautiful kind of magic. I typically schedule sunset sessions to start about one hour before the sun officially sets. This allows us to capture a full range of gorgeous lighting — beginning with warm directional light and finishing just after sunset when the light becomes beautifully soft and the sky starts to show stunning pastel colours.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the shadows soften, the light evens out, and the atmosphere becomes even more romantic and dreamy. Sometimes the moon is in the sky which can make for some unique photos!

Both sunrise and sunset have their own special character. If you love bright, golden images and don’t mind an early start, sunrise might be your perfect match. If you prefer soft, even lighting with pastel skies and a more relaxed start to your day, a sunset session might be ideal.

Whichever you choose, you can be sure we'll be working with the best natural light — creating timeless images you'll treasure.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more information on which session is best for you!