Best Time to Take Pictures Outside

Light, according to Kodak founder George Eastman, is the key to photography. With too little light, the camera cannot capture enough detail. Too much, and your image will look flat and boring. If you’ve ever attempted landscape photography only to be disappointed by the result, it was probably the lighting.

Professional photographers have all kinds of photography tips and tricks like reflectors and fill light to achieve the most flattering, best light for portrait photography inside their studios. But how do they make early morning and late evening outdoor portraits pop without using a camera flash? By planning their shoots for the best time to take pictures outside when the natural light is not too bright and not too dark—Golden Hour. ☀️

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share all the very best photography tips about the Golden Hour for the best time to take pictures outside. 📸

TLDR

• What is Golden Hour? Also known as magic hour, occurs twice a day — it’s the hour right after sunrise and again before sunset.
• Taking photos during sunrise: Nothing beats the feeling of having the world to yourself in those first moments after dawn.
• Why Avoid Midday? Taking photos in the middle of the day results in harsh lighting and crowded locations.
• Taking photos during sunset: The golden tones at sunset warm up your photography, creating a happy, optimistic mood, and especially romantic mood.
• Overcast Benefits: Overcast days, when the sky is full of clouds, are surprisingly one of the best outdoor conditions for photographers.
• Rainy day photoshoot: To achieve a peak rain aesthetic, all you really need is an open mind and a creative photographer. ☔

Photo: Niccolo in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Morgan and partner celebrate an anniversary in Cabo San Lucas with an anniversary photoshoot on Monumentos Beach at sunset.

What is Golden Hour?

Golden Hour, also known as magic hour, occurs twice a day — it’s the hour right after sunrise and again before sunset. 🌄 During these times, the colour temperature of daylight shifts to the red end of the spectrum and the sun’s low angle scatters light across the sky. 

In other words, everything looks prettier and there are no harsh shadows to spoil a scene. The Golden Hour is nature’s most flattering light, making the minutes after sunrise and before sunset the best time of day for outdoor photography.

The biggest mistake you could make when shooting portraits during Golden Hour is to miss it! Use a weather app and ask your professional photographer to find out exactly when sunset or sunrise takes place in your area for the time of year, and give yourself enough time to scope out the perfect location. ☀️

Photo: Goncalo B. in Sintra for Flytographer. Colin and partner capture memories in Sintra with a proposal photoshoot at sunrise.

Photo: Marta in Venice for Flytographer. Kate and partner capture memories in Vencie with a photoshoot at San Marco at sunrise.

Taking Photos During Sunrise

Even if you’re not an early riser by nature, nothing beats having the world to yourself in those first moments after dawn. 🤩 Whether it’s sipping a coffee on your hotel balcony in Paris, or watching the sun paint the mountains in glorious colour in a National Park, experiencing the sunrise makes you feel alive. A sunrise photoshoot is undoubtedly, the best time to take pictures outside. 🌅

If you want portraits in a city with iconic local landmarks and soft light, sunrise is the best time to pose without the distraction of hundreds of tourists. Another bonus to early morning portrait photography is cleanliness: as street cleaners are usually out at dawn, your backgrounds are both tourist and litter-free. Talk about social media worthy!

Depending on where you’re travelling from, jetlag may work in your favour here. If you know you’ll struggle to sleep early in your trip, make the most of it and book a portrait session for the morning Golden Hour! 📷

Although it can be early, especially for kids, setting your alarm is well worth it for a memory you will treasure forever. Getting ready for the shoot is reserved to the morning of, so when planning your sunrise photoshoot, plan your outfits the day before to reduce stress in the morning.

Photo: Stathis & Christina in Santorini for Flytographer. Krista and partner celebrate an engagement in Santorini with a proposal photoshoot in Oia Village at sunrise.

Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Ryan and partner capture memories in Florence with an engagement photoshoot at Duomo & Ponte Vecchio at sunrise.

Why Avoid Midday?

Scheduling a photoshoot during the midday light is generally not recommended for several reasons. The harsh light overhead creates unflattering shadows on faces and can lead to squinting and overexposed photos with too much direct sunlight. Additionally, the intense lighting conditions often result in washed-out colours and a lack of depth in the photos.

The middle of the day is also typically the busiest time in most locations. Crowds of people can interfere with your photos and make it challenging for your professional photographer to capture clean photos with just you and your party in them. Opting for early morning or late afternoon sessions instead of the midday sun can provide softer, more flattering lighting conditions and a calmer setting for your photoshoot. ✨

Photo: Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer. Enrique and partner capture memories in Lake Louise with a proposal photoshoot at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at sunrise.

Photo: Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer. Enrique and partner capture memories in Lake Louise with a proposal photoshoot at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at sunrise.

Taking Photos During Sunset

Sunset is the ideal time for a photoshoot. You have time to pick the perfect location, and there’s no need to set an alarm. Not only can sunset be more convenient, but it’s also the best time of day for something more romantic — arrange your couple shots for sunset, then head out for dinner afterwards. 😘

The golden tones of the light at this time of the day warm up your photography, creating a happy, optimistic mood, rather than harsher direct light overhead. The low angle of the sun also allows photographers to get creative. Once Golden Hour is over, stick around for Blue Hour. This is the time of day when the warm light fades and takes on a cooler, blue hue. Although blue light is not as flattering for portrait photography, it’s perfect for dramatic silhouettes against the sky and alternative light sources can make for aesthetic bokeh (blurred light circles) in the backlighting of your photos.

The only downside to choosing sunset for your photoshoot is its popularity. In a tourist hotspot, you’ll be sharing your special moment with many others who have the same idea. If you’re hiking out to a secluded natural spot, you won’t have this problem, but you’ll be walking back in the dark. Remember to take flashlights! 🔦

Photo: Sara in Tuscany for Flytographer. Eric and partner capture memories in Tuscany with a proposal photoshoot in Pienza at sunset.

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Jeannine and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on Ulua Beach at sunset.

Overcast Benefits

The weather may be dull, but your photographs won’t be! Overcast days, when the sky is full of clouds, are surprisingly one of the best outdoor photography conditions. The clouds act as a giant diffuser box, softening the light and preventing harsh shadows. Unlike in the Golden Hour, when the light changes dramatically throughout the session by the sun setting or rising, overcast days are much more predictable for lighting conditions.

In addition, a cloudy day can be a more visually interesting background than pure blue. Stormy skies bring the drama, and give you an opportunity for an amazing photoshoot if you can get the timing right! 🌩️

If you’re planning to take portraits in this type of light, take advantage of the neutral backdrop by wearing colourful clothes, and your images will pop. Try posing with your face toward the light, in contrast to bright sun conditions when you want to turn away.

Photo: Chiara in Capri for Flytographer. Madison and partner capture memories in Capri with a couples photoshoot on an overcast day.

Photo: Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer. Angela and family capture memories in Honolulu with a family photoshoot on an overcast day.

Rainy Day Photoshoot

The most challenging conditions for an outdoor photoshoot are rain! But with an umbrella and a smile, you can achieve some beautiful shots just the same as a sunny day. To achieve peak the rain aesthetic, all you will need is an open mind and a creative photographer. ☔

Wear bright, warm colours like yellow or red to contrast with the grey backdrop and waterproof shoes for comfort. Kids are especially fun to photograph in the rain, as they joyfully jump in puddles! 🌈

Photo: Flytographer in Cape Cod. Julina and partner capture memories in Cape Cod with a hometown photoshoot on Callie’s Beach on a rainy day.

Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Karen and partner capture memories in Florence with a honeymoon photoshoot in the Oltrarno Neighbourhood on a rainy day.

Capture that Golden Glow

A pro photographer can achieve fabulous shots, whatever the weather, by making the most of the available light and adjusting their camera settings. Rain or shine, there are always opportunities to create stunning portraits. Light is key to photography — so for the best results, connect with your photographer who will know the best time of the day and is familiar with the local conditions. Hiring a Flytographer means you will be with a photographer who understands the area, how to make the most of the Golden Hour light and will give you peace of mind during your outdoor photo session. 📸