The Best Time Of Day For Your Session (And Why It Matters!)
If you've ever looked at a breathtaking photograph and thought, Wow, the light is perfect!, chances are it was taken during either Golden Hour or Blue Hour- two magical and magnificent windows of time that photographers (like me) swear by.
Golden Hour: Nature's Magic
What is Golden Hour?
Golden Hour happens twice a day- shortly after sunrise and just before sunset- when the sun is low in the sky. The exact duration varies based on location and season, but typically, it lasts about an hour (hence the name).
Why Golden Hour Is Nature's Magic
- Soft, Warm, Flattering Light
Unlike midday sun, which is harsh and creates strong shadows, Golden Hour light is diffused and gentle. This makes skin tones glow and reduces unflattering shadows, making it perfect for portraits.
- Golden Hues Add Warmth And Emotion
The lower angle of the sun produces a golden-orange hue that adds warmth and depth to photos. This creates a dreamy, cinematic look that enhances landscapes, portraits and everything in between.
- Longer Shadows = More Dimension
The soft, elongated shadows during Golden Hour create a sense of depth, adding drama and interest to images. This effect enhances the visual storytelling.
Blue Hour: The Twilight Spell
What is Blue Hour?
Blue Hour occurs just before sunrise and just after sunset, when the sun is below the horizon but the sky holds some light. This period only lasts about 20-40 minutes, depending on your location and time of year.
Why Blue Hour Creates Stunning Photos
- Deep, Rich Blues for a Cinematic Feel
As the name suggests, Blue Hour casts a cool, moody blue tone over everything. This works beautifully for any session you are wanting.
- A Dreamy and Romantic Atmosphere
For couples portraits, engagements, or artistic compositions, Blue Hour creates an intimate and magical ambiance. The cool tones contrast beautifully with warm streetlights or candlelight as well.
- No Harsh Shadows, Just Smooth Tones
Unlike midday, where shadows can be strong and distracting, Blue Hour light is evenly diffused, allowing for smoother skin tones and balanced exposure.
Golden Hour and Blue Hour aren't just times of day- they're nature's way of setting the stage for breathtaking images.
Midday Light
Midday Light is when the sun is at it's highest- has it's own advantages. Many photographers avoid shooting during this time due to harsh lighting, but with the right approach, midday light can work in your favor.
- Bright, Even Lighting for Crisp Images
At midday, the sun is at it's peak, providing strong and consistent illumination. This results in- Sharp Images with plenty of detail, Lower ISO (Reducing noise), Faster shutter speeds, (Perfect for freezing motion)
- Vibrant, True-To-Life Colors
With the sun shining art full strength, colors appear bold and saturated, making midday great for different types of Photography.
Midday Photography doesn't have to be a struggle, or something to steer clear from. While it presents unique challenges, it also offers bright, vibrant, sharp details, and creative opportunities.
All photographers have their preferred time of day to shoot, but I’m always open to different time frames based on what works best for me and my client.
As a friendly reminder, your session can be whatever you want it to be. If you prefer blue hour, discuss it with your photographer and make it happen! If you want direct sunlight, feel free to ask for it. Many clients think they can’t ask us questions, give ideas, or be specific about what they want, but that’s simply not true.
We genuinely enjoy hearing your input and ensuring that your session is exactly what you envision.
Xoxo,
Olivia
