Castle Lit vs. Sunrise During MK Shoot..??

[Malefi_Stitch]

I have yet another question...

We scheduled our MK shoot for 6am at the end of June. We really want both night shots with the castle lit and sunrise/day shots. I looked on the sunrise time website (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php) and it said that civil twilight started at 6:03am with the sunrise officially clocked at 6:30am. We did a trial run this morning to see what that actually meant and how light the sky was during those times (DF had to be at work by 6am this morning anyway ).

It immediately started getting a lil light right on time. In a weird twist of fate, we have the option to have a 5:30am start time the next day but have to be out at 6:30am on the dot no exceptions (and we have to be ready by 5am). This means we'll get very little day shots. we'd prefer to keep our shoot the day before (at 6am) but we're not sure how many shots we'll get with the castle still lit. My question is for those of you who had the sun rise during your shoot and/or a shoot during June, when do the lights shut off that light up the castle? Will be ok at 6am or is it too late?

The shoot is very important to us and we just want to make sure we can get the different shots we're really interested in (especially at the cost of the session). P.S. If it makes a difference, from what I heard, our photog will be Ty.

Thanks!!!

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

As a point of comparison, we had a 6:00am shoot on 21 Jan 09. The twilight was 6:52 that day. We were supposed to be picked up from GF at 6:00am, but we were running late, so I would bet we weren't out of there till 6:15am. So, we probably didn't get set up in the MK taking pics till about 6:30 and it was still pitch black (as it should have been). I have no idea how long it lasted, as we went inside for pics next, and it was fairly light by the time we came back out.

I think it's safe to say that it will be fairly light for all of your pics, but here's a couple things to consider:

1. from what I've heard (read) and experienced, most photographers will be ready to pic you up about 20 minutes early. If you were waiting in the lobby at that time, you stand a better chance of getting some pics in the dark.

2. Your photographer is probably only slotted against you at that time, so you might be able to talk to your WP to see if they will pick you up at 5:30 to be ready to shoot in the MK by 5:45.

3. I've read that the castle is actually lit ALL day. It's just that during daylight, you don't see it. So, if it was barely twilight, you probably would still see the colors.

4. Frankly, even though the castle looks gorgeous lit up, the flash they have to use on you doesn't look great. I'm glad I have those pics, but they aren't my absolute favorites.

5. I would rather have the time for my photographer to be flexible that limited to an ultimatum of "you MUST be out by 6:30."

Just my 5 cents!

 

[mickeyfan32]

We had our shoot at 6 am in May. Our photographer (Paul) told us on the way over that he was going to be extremely quick with the first couple shots in order to guarantee we have "night" shots. They came out great- I think we probably had about 6 or so in front of the castle with it lit up. However, we looked a bit sleepy in the first ones! I actually liked our time slot because we were able to have both night and day shots. However, if you are stressing about it, maybe talk to your planner. They are the experts! Good luck! I have to say that our MK shoot was just as magical of an experience as our wedding itself.

 

[Malefi_Stitch]

We had our shoot at 6 am in May. Our photographer (Paul) told us on the way over that he was going to be extremely quick with the first couple shots in order to guarantee we have "night" shots. They came out great- I think we probably had about 6 or so in front of the castle with it lit up. However, we looked a bit sleepy in the first ones! I actually liked our time slot because we were able to have both night and day shots. However, if you are stressing about it, maybe talk to your planner. They are the experts! Good luck! I have to say that our MK shoot was just as magical of an experience as our wedding itself.

Thanks, Mickeyfan! In looking at people's different pics who have had an MK shoot, DF and I decided to stick with the 6am timeslot because we actually loved pics at dawn with the sunrise peaking above the horizon rather than completely dark. We figured we'd get a couple pictures that will be dark and we're definitely fine with that. I can imagine looking sleepy! I don't drink coffee but I think those couple of days I'll learn to like it! Thanks again for your input. We can't wait for our shoot all dressed up. It must be so peaceful when you're there just the two of you and the photogs at dawn.