There’s something magical about golden hour—the time just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun casts a soft, warm glow over everything it touches. During Anna and Kamalei’s sunset photoshoot, this light transformed a grassy field into a dreamy stage for their coastal cowgirl aesthetic. With hazy sunlight filtering through and ocean cliffs in the background, the session was as ethereal as it gets.

Anna wore a short, fitted white dress paired with brown cowgirl boots, while Kamalei opted for a flowy babydoll dress and white boots. Their outfits perfectly captured the blend of rustic charm and coastal elegance, and the golden light made every detail glow. Whether they were laughing together or frolicking through the field, the entire session felt carefree and radiant—just like their friendship.

Why Golden Hour is a Photographer’s Dream

Golden hour is every photographer’s secret weapon, and this session was a perfect example of why. The soft light creates an ethereal effect that flatters skin tones and enhances natural textures, from flowing dresses to the grassy field swaying in the breeze. Unlike harsh midday sun, golden hour light is diffused and forgiving, making it easier to capture glowing, dreamy images.

For Anna and Kamalei, the hazy sun added an extra layer of depth and magic to their photos, complementing the coastal cowgirl vibe perfectly. The field’s natural grasses and the cliffs overlooking the ocean came alive in the warm light, creating a backdrop that felt straight out of a storybook.

Tips for Your Own Golden Hour Photoshoot

If you’re dreaming of a golden hour session, here are some tips to make the most of it:

Timing is Everything: Golden hour happens shortly after sunrise or before sunset, so plan your shoot accordingly. For this session, the timing allowed the sun to sit low enough to create that soft, glowing effect.
Choose the Right Outfits: Soft, natural tones and textures work beautifully with golden light. Anna’s fitted dress and Kamalei’s flowy babydoll dress complemented the field’s natural hues, while their cowgirl boots added a touch of personality.
Location Matters: Open fields, ocean cliffs, and wide, natural spaces allow the golden light to shine through. A location with multiple features—like grass, trees, and water—adds variety to your photos.

Coastal Cowgirl Photography in Central Florida

Whether you’re inspired by the coastal cowgirl aesthetic or looking for a dreamy, natural setting for your photos, golden hour is the perfect time to capture it. As a photographer based in New Smyrna Beach, I specialize in natural light photography that brings out the beauty of these moments.

From fields to beaches and everything in between, Central Florida offers incredible locations for golden hour photoshoots. Whether you’re in New Smyrna Beach, Orlando, or visiting the coast, I’d love to help you create glowing, timeless images that feel as magical as this sunset session with Anna and Kamalei.