A common question that I get right before someone books a session with me is, “What’s the best time of day for photos?”
As a photographer, I try to be consistent in my editing. I edit each session the same unless you ask for a little more or give me total creative freedom to be an artist.
(Which I love by the way!)
However, there’s one thing that sometimes really can’t be helped with a look of a photo and that’s the TIME of the day the photo session is captured.
Some photographers only photograph during Golden Hour, limiting themselves to one session each day. While I absolutely love Golden Hour, I don’t believe it’s the only time to create beautiful images.
I’m a full-time photographer, and I also know that every family is different. Maybe your toddler is happiest in the morning, or maybe evenings just don’t work for your schedule. I want to help you choose a time that works for your family while also helping you understand how the light will affect your photos.
So let’s talk about the different types of light you’ll see throughout my work.
GOLDEN HOUR
Golden hour is a period very shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset. Photographers love this time of day.
Golden hour is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. It’s easily the most requested time for photo sessions, and for good reason.
During Golden Hour, the sun sits lower on the horizon, creating softer, warmer light that’s incredibly flattering. Instead of harsh overhead sunlight, you get beautiful golden tones and a natural glow.
Because the light changes quickly during this time, every session is a little different. If we’re photographing near mountains, for example, the sun may disappear behind them before the official sunset time, moving us into Blue Hour a little earlier.
If you’re hoping for that warm golden look throughout your entire session, I recommend booking earlier within that last hour before sunset rather than the very last session of the day.
BLUE HOUR
Blue Hour happens immediately after the sun drops below the horizon.
Despite the name, it usually isn’t an entire hour. Depending on the location, it may only last a few minutes before the light fades.
During Blue Hour, the warm sunlight has disappeared, leaving softer, cooler tones and often a beautiful colorful sunset sky.
If you love sunset photos, this is the look you’re after.
Clients who book my last full-hour session of the day often experience both Golden Hour and Blue Hour during the same session.
A Blue Hour vs Golden Hour Comparison
One of my favorite examples is this engagement session.
The first part of their session was photographed during Golden Hour, giving us warm backgrounds and beautiful light catching their hair.
By the end of the session, we had moved into Blue Hour. The golden tones disappeared, the sky became softer, and the light completely changed.
Neither look is better.
They’re simply different.
Can We Still Take Beautiful Photos Earlier in the Day?
Absolutely.
While Golden Hour is my most requested time, it’s definitely not the only time I photograph.
Trees, buildings, and even the location itself can completely change the quality of light.
I don’t schedule sessions during the harshest part of the day around noon, but I regularly photograph in the morning and a few hours before sunset. In many locations, those sessions are just as beautiful.
The biggest thing I always tell families is this:
Tiny humans have exactly zero concern for Golden Hour, and honestly…I respect that.Happy kids will almost always beat perfect lighting.
If your children do much better in the morning, I’d rather photograph happy smiles than tired faces at sunset.
My Recommendation
If you’re hoping for that warm, glowy look you see throughout much of my portfolio, book the last hour before sunset as early as you can, especially during spring and fall.
If your schedule or little ones do better at another time of day, don’t stress.
I’ll help you choose the best location and lighting based on the time that works best for your family.
