The best time of day to get your photo taken depends on the type of lighting you want and the effect you're going for. Here are some tips to help you choose the best time of day for your photo shoot:
Golden Hour:
This is my personal favorite and typically my first suggestion for a photo shoot. Golden Hour is the time just before sunset or just after sunrise when the light is soft, warm, and complimentary. It's an ideal time for outdoor photo shoots, as the warm glow enhances colors and textures, creating a romantic and dreamy ambiance. The light is diffused and soft, which eliminates harsh shadows and unflattering lighting. The warm, golden light can make skin look more vibrant and radiant. The colors in the environment become more saturated and vibrant, making for an exquisite backdrop. The sky often becomes dramatic, with warm oranges, pinks, and purples, adding a sense of romance and drama to your photos.
Overcast:
Overcast days offer soft and even lighting, ideal for outdoor photo shoots. The clouds act as a natural diffuser, softening the light and reducing harsh shadows. If sunrise or sunset is not possible, cloudy days are the next best option. This type of light is particularly useful for portrait photography, as it minimizes harsh shadows and highlights on faces. Colors look more muted and softer, making for a more relaxed, natural feel in your photos. Adding professional flash to a cloudy day can produce stunning and versatile lighting effects.
Nighttime:
Nighttime can create unique and atmospheric lighting for photos. This is especially true in urban areas where there are plenty of lights, creating a beautiful and moody atmosphere.Creative lighting: Using flash outside can be used to create more dramatic and creative lighting effects. For example, it can be used to light the subject from behind or to create a rim light effect. Using flash outside can help create a better exposure, particularly when the subject is backlit or in low light situations.
Midday:
Midday is when the sun is highest in the sky, resulting in the brightest and harshest lighting conditions. Although challenging to work with, it can create dramatic shadows and highlights. As a last resort, a midday session can be scheduled, and using flash outside can help fill in shadows caused by the bright sunlight. The use of professional flash outside is dependent on the photographer's vision and the specific requirements of the shoot.
The use of a professional flash outside is determined by the photographer's creative vision and the specific requirements of the shoot. As a photographer, I always carry at least one flash with me, and whether or not I use it depends on the particular situation. Flash can be an effective tool for creating dynamic and stunning photos, and can be used to overcome the challenges of outdoor lighting conditions. Ultimately, the optimal time of day for your photo shoot will depend on the photographer's personal preference and the desired look for your session. It's crucial to communicate with your photographer to determine the ideal time and location for your shoot based on your specific needs and objectives
Book your photoshoot today and let's capture the perfect moment together! Contact me to discuss your specific needs and goals and to determine the best time and location for your shoot. Remember, the time of day can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your photos. Consider these tips to help you choose the best time of day for your shoot and let's create some stunning and dynamic photos together!
This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a family and senior photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
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