Wondering when to schedule your photo session for that dreamy, glowing magic?
Let’s talk about how light, whether it’s golden hour, cloudy skies, or full sun, can completely change the look and feel of your photos. This guide breaks down the best time of day to book your photo session with real examples, easy tips, and photographer insight.
Morning Light: Soft, Calm and Clean
Timeframe: Right after sunrise
If you’re a morning person (or have littles who are up anyway), this is such a peaceful and underrated time to shoot. Morning light tends to be soft and even because the sun is lower in the sky. That means minimal harsh shadows, nice skin tones, and less squinting. Everything feels calm and fresh.
Best for: Beach or open field sessions, families with young kids, or if you want a clean, bright feel to your gallery.
Bonus: Popular locations are usually empty this early!
Afternoon Light: Bright, Bold and a Bit Tricky
Timeframe: Midday to late afternoon
This is the harshest time of day to shoot, especially on sunny days. The overhead sun creates strong shadows and can wash out details. But if we’re working in shade, forested areas, or city streets, I’ll use backlighting and positioning to make it work beautifully.
Best for: Elopements or weddings with fixed timelines, shaded outdoor areas, or urban locations.
Golden Hour: The Photographer’s Love Language
Timeframe: One hour before sunset (or after sunrise)
This is the time of day everyone loves and for good reason. Golden hour light is soft, flattering, and warm. It gives that glowing, romantic look that makes skin look amazing and surroundings feel extra dreamy.
Best for: Everything. Couples, maternity, engagements, families, this is when the magic happens.
Tip: Contact me to grab one of these coveted time slots, they go fast!
Blue Hour: Romantic, Moody, and Cinematic
Timeframe: 20–30 minutes after sunset
Blue hour is perfect if you’re looking for something a little different. It has a soft, moody, slightly dramatic feel. Think twinkle lights, silhouettes, or the city skyline starting to glow.
Best for: Engagements, elopements, or couples who want a creative and romantic twist.
Cloudy Days vs. Direct Sun: Don’t Stress the Forecast
Cloudy skies = a photographer’s secret weapon. The clouds act like a giant diffuser, softening the light and giving us a beautiful, even tone with no squinting or harsh shadows. Cloudy days make everything feel cozy and intimate, plus we can shoot pretty much any time of day.
Direct sun can be gorgeous too, it’s bold and full of contrast. It just takes a little more strategy (like backlighting, shade, or positioning) to make it work.
Cloudy Light = Soft, even, timeless
Direct Sun = Bold, vibrant, contrasty
Here is the perfect Example of the same beach on cloudy vs sunny day
Quick Breakdown: What’s the Right Time for You?
• Soft + bright: Morning or overcast midday
• Warm + glowy: Golden hour
• Romantic + moody: Blue hour or cloudy day
• Bold + vibrant: Afternoon sun (with shade!)
