Every photographer talks about golden hour. The warm, soft, directional light in the hour after sunrise and before sunset genuinely is the best light for outdoor portraits — it's flattering, it's beautiful, and it makes every location look more dramatic and alive.
But golden hour looks different depending on where you are. The direction the light comes from, what it bounces off of, how it filters through trees or opens across a hillside — all of that changes the character of the light completely. After years of shooting across the Inland Empire at every hour of the day, here are my favorite spots specifically for golden hour sessions.
Sunrise locations
Etiwanda Preserve in Rancho Cucamonga faces east across the valley and catches the first light of morning beautifully. The golden hills, the wide open terrain, and the mountain backdrop come alive in the early light in a way that afternoon sessions simply can't replicate. Sunrise here in October and November is one of my favorite shooting conditions anywhere.
The Cucamonga Peak trailhead area catches early morning light filtered through oak and pine in a way that feels almost like the Pacific Northwest. Cool, quiet, and gorgeous.
The hills above Redlands looking west at sunrise, with the valley spread out below and the light coming up over the San Bernardino Mountains behind you, is genuinely spectacular.
Sunset locations
The western-facing hillsides in Chino Hills State Park catch the last light of the day in the most beautiful warm tones. Sessions ending right at sunset here have a cinematic quality that's hard to match anywhere else in the region.
The open sky to the west of Victoria Gardens creates beautiful sunset light that bounces warmly off buildings and landscaping. For a more urban golden hour, this is my go-to.
The ridgeline above Jurupa Valley faces directly west and catches beautiful directional sunset light across open terrain. Dramatically beautiful and almost always uncrowded.
Carbon Canyon channels late afternoon light in a way that creates beautiful shafts through the trees — particularly stunning in fall.
Practical notes
Sunrise sessions mean an early call time — typically 30–45 minutes before official sunrise to be in position as the light arrives. Sunset sessions run up to and through the last light of the day, usually ending around 20 minutes after official sunset.
Both options are worth the timing effort. If you've never experienced a sunrise or sunset family session, it tends to be one of those experiences families talk about long after the photos arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth waking up early for a sunrise session?
In my opinion, absolutely yes. The light at sunrise is soft, warm, and directional in a way that's genuinely magical. Families who do sunrise sessions almost always say it was their favorite part of the experience.
How early do sunrise sessions start?
Typically 30–45 minutes before official sunrise, which varies by season. In winter that might mean a 6am start. In summer it could be closer to 5am. I'll give you the exact time when we book.
Which season has the best golden hour in the Inland Empire?
October and November consistently produce the warmest, most beautiful golden hour light across the Inland Empire. The angle of the sun at that time of year creates extraordinary warmth and depth.
What is the best sunset location for a first-time client?
Etiwanda Preserve for a natural landscape feel, or the area near Victoria Gardens for something more accessible with a mix of architectural and natural elements.
Do you charge extra for sunrise sessions?
No — sunrise sessions are priced the same as standard sessions. The only difference is the call time.
Related reading
Hidden gem photo locations in the Inland Empire
The best family photo locations in Rancho Cucamonga
Why fall is the best time for family photos in Southern California