The Best Times of Day for Taking Photos

Here Are The Best Times Of Day For Taking Photos And The Reasons Why

Whether you're planning an engagement shoot, your wedding timeline, a family portrait, or a solo adventure, the right lighting can transform your photos from good to genuinely magical. Timing is everything when it comes to photography, as the natural light during different parts of the day can create unique atmospheres and enhance the beauty of your subjects. Lighting is just a tool we work with to enhance the photos and experience. Let’s make sure to make the lighting work for you and not only with you.

A good thing to keep in mind is the surroundings at your location. Tall buildings and trees greatly affect the lighting conditions and even change what time golden hour is. If photos are happening in the middle of downtown with tall buildings around, the sun will be hidden behind those buildings a while before it actually sets. So consider you’re location as well when thinking about your ideal timing. Let’s go ahead and examine some of those times.

Golden Hour:

The golden hour, that time just after sunrise and before sunset, is the stuff of dreams. Okay maybe not literally, but let’s just say that there is a reason most weddings have a photoshoot built in for golden hour photos. The soft, warm glow casts beautiful light, making everything look like it's bathed in liquid gold. During this time, shadows are gentle, and colors are at their most vibrant. Whether you're by the beach, in a forest, or in a cityscape, golden hour definitely adds a good flavor to photos. This is my go-to time of day.

Sunrise:

Early risers, this is your moment! Sunrise offers a tranquil backdrop for your photoshoot. There's a calm stillness in the air that can't be replicated. If you're aiming for a peaceful feel or want to capture the misty beauty of a landscape, sunrise is your go-to. Not to mention, there are much less people around. This is one of my favorite times of day for sessions. Early mornings can be hard but it’s nothing a little strong coffee can’t fix. The results are worth it.

Midday:

While midday is notorious for creating harsh shadows and washed-out colors, let’s not dismiss it entirely. If you're shooting indoors or in a shaded area, this could be a good time. Heck. Even direct sunlight can be quite a vibe. Just make sure you’re lowering that ISO and raising that aperture. Just be mindful of the angles and locations you choose and be prepared to be a little artistic and creative in the direct sun.

Blue Hour:

Brief but vibey. It’s often overlooked but holds knows it’s place and holds it’s own. The soft blue tones in the sky create a mood with the softest colors and the least amount of warm colors you’ll find throughout any day. It doesn’t last long, so be prepared. I usually like to end my sessions with a bit of blue hour magic.

Weather Watch:

Remember, lighting conditions can change dramatically depending on the weather. Overcast days can create soft, diffused light that's flattering for portraits, while cloudy skies can make landscapes look moody and atmospheric. Cloudy skies allow for much more even lighting throughout the whole day giving you a bit more options to work with.

In the end, the best time for a photoshoot depends on your vision and the story you want to tell. There are definitely some times that are easier to work with and some that just bring a little bit more drama to your photos.

Photographers: The best thing I can recommend in order to learn how to use each of these lighting scenarios is to just go practice in them. Ask some friends to come along on a free shoot and get creative in a time of day that you maybe haven’t played with yet. It’s a learning curve but the payoff is real. Just remember to make a Lightroom preset for each time of day! Your photos will be so unique and you’ll have another tool in your tool belt.

No matter what, each moment holds the potential to capture a memory that will be meaningful for a lifetime. So find your ideal lighting, get a little creative, and let the magic unfold! I believe in you!📸✨

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I’m Vance Doeden - a wedding & elopement photographer based in Wichita, KS while servicing the midwest & beyond. God, nature, and real deep emotion are my inspirations for capturing this art.

Tying the knot? Check out my work & reach out to learn more about capturing the moments that matter.