Why to Plan Sunrise Senior Pictures

The beauty of Lily’s senior session in Mandan, North Dakota took my breath away. Here’s why I’ll always recommend sunrise senior pictures!

North Dakota Senior Photos

One of the things I love most about senior sessions in Bismarck and Mandan is how stunning the early morning photos can be. Lily was willing to wake up for a session starting at 5:45 am, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! The sunrise was nothing short of magical. The calm, cool morning air brought with it a peacefulness that really set the tone. 

The fog that drifted across the lakewas such a dreamy backdrop for those first few photos. Moments like these are why I always encourage seniors to consider an early morning shoot. There’s something special about starting your day while the world is still quiet, and the results speak for themselves.

Mandan offers some beautiful locations for senior pictures, with its lakes, rolling hills, and open skies. Whether it’s the golden hour just after dawn or the breathtaking views overlooking the Missouri River, Mandan has endless options for creating timeless images. It’s the kind of place where you can capture a senior’s smile and the surrounding beauty as well.

Why to Plan Sunrise Senior Photos

If you’ve been on the fence about opting for a sunrise shoot, the lighting at dawn is simply unbeatable. The soft, natural glow adds a dreamy quality to the photos, bringing out skin tones and making every color pop. Unlike the harsher light of midday, sunrise light wraps gently around you, creating a flattering, warm look that makes each shot more authentic.

Another bonus of a sunrise session is privacy. You won’t have to worry about crowds or onlookers. Most people are still asleep, which means it’s just you, me, and the beautiful surroundings. This privacy allows for a more relaxed, natural session where you can truly be yourself without any distractions.

Let’s not forget the weather. Mornings tend to be cooler and calmer, making it easier to move around and capture a variety of poses without battling the heat of the day. Plus, in North Dakota, the chance of catching a morning fog or dewdrops on the grass is an added bonus, adding a touch of magic to your session. The biggest factor though, wind. Mornings seem to be more calm and predictable. The wind in North Dakota can be dreamy for a cinematic effect, however it can be brutal in the evenings making it more of a hassle than an added bonus. Consider a sunrise session to beat the wind!

North Dakota Senior Pictures: Resources to Plan Your Session

Planning your senior session doesn’t have to be stressful, and I’m here to help every step of the way! If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full session, consider booking one of my senior mini-sessions. These shorter sessions are a fantastic way to capture stunning portraits in less time. You can find all the details about them here.

If you’re looking for even more guidance on how to make your session unforgettable, check out these helpful tips for your senior session. 

  1. Choosing your outfits – Choose layers, textures, and colors that complement the season and avoid distracting patterns.
  2. Picking a location – Select a meaningful location that reflects your personality, or feel free to ask me for suggestions!
  3. Picking a time – Schedule during golden hours for the most flattering light.
  4. Hair and makeup – Consider professional hair and makeup or bring essentials for touch-ups during the shoot.
  5. Props and personal items – Bring items that represent your hobbies or interests to personalize your photos.

Sunrise sessions might require an early start, but the payoff is always worth it. When you see your photos with that soft, golden light and those quiet, serene surroundings, you’ll know it was the perfect choice. Let’s capture something beautiful together!

North Dakota Senior Photographer

Hi, I’m Tessa, a North Dakota Senior I’m eager to learn more about your senior photography needs and explore how Twelve9 Photography can beautifully capture your senior year. Your achievements deserve to be documented, and I believe the possibilities are endless. Let’s connect and discuss how we can create lasting memories together.

let's go on an adventure.

I want to tell your story.

My dream clients love adventure, laughter, and are passionate about their love! If you value the quality time spent together, know your partners love language, and are totally up for going along with my goofy prompts then we'll definitely get along!