When Is The Best Time Of Day To Shoot? A Professional Photographer’s Perspective

No matter how new you are into the world of photography, I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: lighting is key. I’ve said it so many times myself! Lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring your shot looks its best, but it can also help tell the story your client wants to get across.

So, the question stands: when is the best time of day to shoot? I’m here to break down all the different lighting times I choose and why they are so crucial to the end result. Without further ado, let’s dive into discussing the one element that can make or break your shot.

The Golden Hour: Basking in Warmth

Ah, the golden hour - that dreamy period shortly after sunrise and before sunset, when the sun graces us with its soft, warm glow. If you're aiming for portraits, landscapes, or anything that thrives on flattering lighting, this is your golden ticket.

During the golden hour, the sun is lower in the sky, and its light travels through more of the Earth's atmosphere, scattering the harsh blue light and leaving behind a warm, soft embrace. This diffused light creates subtle shadows and brings out rich, natural colors in your subjects, making your photos pop with a touch of enchantment.

Golden hour is famous for good reason- the end result always looks fantastic! If your client even dances around the adjective “warm”, this is the perfect time of day to get the shot.

The Blue Hour: Painting with Twilight

Now, let's shift our focus to the blue hour, that captivating slice of time before sunrise and after sunset. As the name suggests, this is when the sky takes on a soothing, blue-tinged hue, and the world transforms into a canvas of moody magic.

The blue hour can be a game-changer for those looking to capture any sort of still atmosphere that thrives on its charm. The soft, diffused light during this time adds an ethereal touch to your images, creating a sense of tranquility and mystery that's hard to replicate.

To nail those blue hour shots, keep an eye on your surroundings. The combination of fading natural light and emerging artificial lights can lend a dreamy contrast to your compositions. Experiment with longer exposure times to capture the subtle shifts in color and mood that this hour brings. Your urban landscapes will thank you for it!

High Noon: Conquering the Midday Sun

High noon is a controversial shoot time for many reasons. Photographers often shy away from this time because of the harsh, overhead sunlight that can cast unflattering shadows and blow out highlights. But fear not, there are ways to conquer this mighty sun and make it work for you.

If you find yourself being drawn to shooting during the midday hours, embrace the power of shadows. Look for interesting patterns, textures, and angles that can play with the strong light. Harsh sunlight can work wonders for creating dramatic contrasts and emphasizing shapes that might go unnoticed in softer light.

Alternatively, consider seeking out shaded areas or using diffusers and reflectors to soften the harshness. Shooting portraits under the shelter of a tree or capturing macro details in the shade can result in surprisingly delightful images.

Night Time Wonders: Embracing the Darkness

Oh how I love a night time shoot! While so many photographers think it’s time to pack up when the sun sets, this is prime time for a world of new possibilities. From a moody atmosphere to capturing the city's shimmering lights, the dark hours have their own kind of enchantment.

For that moody atmosphere we all love, lean into the lighting of the space you’re working in. Oftentimes, the little details look even cooler in dim light. When it comes to cityscapes, wait until the sky is sufficiently dark, and the city lights have taken center stage. The interplay of artificial lights and shadows can create stunning contrasts, and the reflections on water or glass can add an extra layer of intrigue to your shots.

Timing All Depends On Your End Goal

So, the answer to the question on the best time of day to shoot is… it depends! With the magic of photography, we have the power to transform a still shot into an airy, warm, or cool image. Your end goal is the true indicator of what time is best for you.

Interested in learning more of the specifics for how I plan a time of day to shoot. Schedule a 1-on-1 call with me! We can talk through all the factors that go into shoot prep to ensure the day of runs seamlessly.