What to Wear for Picture Perfect Sunrise and Sunset Travel Photos
Five photography tips and tricks to turn sunrise and sunset shots into unforgettable travel memories
The golden hour.
That magical window of soft, glowing light right after sunrise and just before sunset is every traveler’s favorite time to capture the world. But while the light does most of the heavy lifting, what you wear can also make or break the shot. The right outfit adds shape, contrast and personality to your photos, helping you tell the story you want to tell.
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Whether it’s dawn on the beach or a sunset in the city, here’s how to dress and shoot for golden hour perfection. We’ve also included a few photography tips and tricks that will help to make your pictures shine without the need for filters.
1. Dressing for the Light Conditions: What to Wear for Sunrise and Sunset
The first thing to consider is whether you want your image to be a true black silhouette, where the subject person is more of a dark shape against the sunlight, or you want to be able to slightly see some of the detail of the person. If the former, then wearing dark clothes is the way to go and, of course, do not use any fill flash.
Here are more things to consider when choosing an outfit for sunrise or sunset photos.
Sunrise:
Early morning light is softer and cooler than sunset, often with pastel pinks, purples and light blues. For this light, earthy neutrals and light layers (like oatmeal, gray, pale blue and cream) will reflect that calm, ethereal vibe. A cozy hoodie or lightweight sweatshirt (like our 1923 Main Street Wear the Adventure hoodie) will keep you warm on a cool morning and look timeless in photos.
Sunset:
Golden hour light before sunset is richer and warmer. Bold contrast works great here, with dark silhouettes, deep reds, mustard tones or classic black as good choices. If you’re shooting a silhouette photo—where you’re backlit by the setting sun—choose clothes with strong shapes:
Flowing dresses or long coats create movement and elegant outlines.
Hoodies and sweatshirts with structured shoulders or bold logos stand out in profile.
Hats, beanies or scarves add character and definition to your shape against the backlight.
A bikini or swimsuit will give a classic figure shot for a warm beach or poolside sunset.
Including “props” like a surfboard, or holding a shell in the air, will add another element of interest to your shot, with an extra shape in the silhouette.
2. Climate Considerations: Outfits for Every Destination
Tropical or Beach Sunsets:
Keep fabrics light. Things like cotton tees or breathable tank tops paired with shorts, a skirt or casual pants will all work well. Choose colors that either pop (coral, turquoise) or harmonize (sand, white). Barefoot shots in the surf or sand always feel authentic and capture the essence of warm-weather destinations.
Mountain or Cooler Climates:
You’ll want to layer up here. A graphic hoodie over a long-sleeve tee looks great and gives you flexibility when the temperatures drop after sunset and you’re still on the mountain. Choose darker tones, like forest green or charcoal, for a classic outdoor look.
If you really want to get creative and have a brave subject, a contrast photo can make for a great shot. A swimsuit on a snowy morning will give eye-catching contrast (but, of course, use common sense if the temperatures are too extreme or unsafe). Outdoor hot tubs in snowy mountain destinations can offer the element of steam rising as a great backdrop for sunrise or sunset.
Urban Adventures:
Urban city settings also have some fantastic sunset silhouette opportunities.
Look for clean and clear lines between your subject and the sun. Bridges are great, long roads with the sun at the end or rooftops with a horizon view of the sun all make great locations. Plus, you can capture the added colors of city lighting as part of the image, which can be a bonus element.
For city-style sunsets or sunrises, go modern and minimalist. A clean black or white tee or sweatshirt captures beautifully against warm city lights. Reflective sunglasses, wine glasses or metallic accessories can catch the last bits of light in creative ways at sunset.
3. How Clothing Shapes Your Silhouette
If you want that iconic “traveler silhouette” shot against the sunset, consider the following travel photography tips:
Form-fitting clothes create crisp outlines.
Loose layers—like a scarf or a flowy hoodie—add drama as they move in the breeze.
Props like a backpack, hat or camera instantly tell a story and define your traveler profile.
Action shots are great for active people. Someone running on the beach, or a dancer in the air, or a skateboarder cruising on a coastal road at sunset…get creative with your subject and let their natural vacation vibe shine through.
Experiment with poses: walking, reaching toward the sun, or facing away. The stronger your outline, the more powerful the silhouette.
4. Travel Photo Tips: Getting that Perfect Golden Glow
Use Fill-Flash:
Once considered taboo or amateurish, harsh fill-flash is making a comeback. A touch of light on your subject’s face can balance out harsh shadows from the bright background. A harsh cool flash will give a paparazzi look. Today’s camera and smartphone flashes are more flexible with color range and smarter than ever, helping you keep detail without losing that dreamy sunset backdrop.
Golden Hour Window:
Start shooting about 10 minutes after the sun breaks the horizon or an hour before sunset to be sure you capture the best color and contrast. Remember, if it’s a cloudy overcast day, all bets are off.
Shoot Toward the Light:
Backlighting creates the iconic glow effect on hair and edges of clothing. Just be sure to adjust exposure (or tap-focus on your subject if using a phone) so you don’t lose their features completely (unless you want to).
Another great effect is to let the sun shine along the edge of your subject. This will create some very cool sun flares and sunburst effects that can be great additions to any sunrise or sunset photo. Keep shooting to capture as much as you can in as many variations as you can.
Tripod, Monopod or a Steady Surface:
In lower light, even small movements can cause blur. Sometimes blur is what you want. But if it’s not, keep your camera steady for sharp shots—especially at sunrise when light levels are lowest. Consider using a tripod, monopod or finding a spot where you can rest your camera to steady it while you shoot.
5. Don’t Forget the Story
Travel photography isn’t just about a pretty picture—it’s about the moment and capturing a sense of place.
Wear what feels natural to you, something that captures the essence of your journey and you as the subject. A favorite graphic tee that marks a destination, a hoodie from a past adventure—these personal touches make the photo uniquely yours.
At 1923 Main Street®, our travel-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are made for golden hour explorers—comfortable enough for early hikes, stylish enough for that perfect beach or city silhouette, and designed to go wherever the sun takes you next.