If you’ve ever scrolled through my portfolio and paused on one of those dreamy, golden light photos—the kind where everything glows just a little and the smiles feel a bit more magical—you’re likely looking at a sunset session. The warmth. The softness. The way the light seems to wrap around your family like a memory. It’s not a filter. It’s not editing magic. It’s real. And it’s something we plan for intentionally.

Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what actually goes into creating those moments. Because while the end result might look effortless, the process is full of thoughtful timing, a little planning, and a lot of trust between you and me.

Let’s pull back the curtain on what happens before, during, and after an outdoor sunset family session with Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography—so you know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and why these sessions are absolutely worth it.

Why Sunset? What Makes It So Magical?

The last hour before sunset—known as golden hour—is nature’s most flattering light. It’s warm, directional, and softens everything it touches. It brings warmth to skin tones, adds dimension to your background, and reduces the harsh shadows we deal with earlier in the day. But even more than how it looks, golden hour feels different.

Families tend to be more relaxed in the evening. The pace is slower. The air is cooler. There’s a hush that settles in around sunset that just can’t be replicated at noon. It’s the perfect environment for candid, emotive, storytelling photos.

But here’s the honest truth: we only get one golden hour a day. So planning ahead matters—because if you’re not ready when the light is, you can miss it. That’s why I help you choose the exact session time based on sunset data for the day, your children’s schedule, and the location’s light patterns. It’s less about chasing the sun and more about being ready when it shows up.

Before the Session: Planning Around Light and Life

Once you book your session, I’ll reach out with a quick questionnaire to learn more about your family. I want to know what time of day your kids are happiest, what kind of vibe you’re hoping for (playful? quiet? nature-focused?), and what kind of scenery speaks to you.

Then we choose the location. Some places shine best right as the sun dips behind the horizon. Others need earlier timing to avoid harsh contrast. This is where my years of experience in scouting and shooting Minnesota’s best outdoor spots come into play. Whether we’re headed to a lakeside dock, an open field, or a tucked-away wooded trail, I know how the light behaves—and how to position your family in it.

I also help you plan outfits that move well and work with the natural tones of the setting. Think soft textures, warm neutrals, flowy dresses, and earthy accessories. You don’t have to guess. I’ve got guides, inspiration boards, and direct feedback to help make sure you feel confident and cool (literally and figuratively).

And don’t worry if the forecast shows clouds or light wind. We can still create magic without the perfect sunset. The key is flexibility—and communication.

During the Session: Relaxed, Natural, and Guided (Without Being Stiff)

We usually start our session about an hour before sunset. This gives us time to settle in and get the classic shots while the light is still higher—group portraits, playful walking photos, and any must-have combos like sibling hugs or snuggles with mom.

Then, as the sun drops lower, we shift the tone. I’ll guide you into interactions that feel natural—sharing a blanket, playing a game, twirling, cuddling on a picnic quilt. I use soft prompts rather than stiff poses because I want to capture how you love each other, not just what you look like standing in a line.

Kids lead the pace. If your toddler wants to run in circles, great—we’ll follow. If your baby needs a break, we’ll pause. There’s no pressure to perform. My job is to watch for real moments and frame them beautifully.

The last fifteen minutes are where the golden hour magic really kicks in. That’s when I’ll position you in the softest light, using backlighting or rim lighting to create that iconic glow. Hair lights up, edges soften, and suddenly everything feels a little quieter. These are the frames that usually end up on walls and holiday cards.

After the Session: How the Magic Becomes Memory

Once the sun has set and your family is packed up (usually sandy, grassy, and a little giggly), I start culling and editing the session. My editing is light, clean, and true to your family. I enhance the warmth and contrast of the natural light without over-editing or changing your skin tones. What you see in your gallery will look like your family—just a little more golden.

Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll receive an online gallery filled with images that tell a story. Not just of what you wore or where you stood—but of how your child looked up at you when you laughed. Of how you rested your hand on your partner’s shoulder. Of how summer felt.

You’ll have options to download digitals, select favorites, order prints, or create heirloom albums—and if you need help choosing what to do with your images, I’m here to walk you through it.

What Families Love Most About Sunset Sessions

Over the years, I’ve had dozens of families tell me their sunset session was their favorite photo experience—especially the ones who were nervous going in. Here’s why they say it worked:

They didn’t feel rushed.
They didn’t have to ask their kids to “smile and stay still.”
They could just be themselves in a space that felt safe, warm, and beautiful.
They were surprised at how relaxed the session actually felt.
And most of all, they were amazed at how much of their family’s dynamic came through in the final gallery.

That’s the power of photographing in the right light, in the right way, with the right energy.