The Best Time of Day for Photos

When should your ceremony time be? What is the most flattering light for portraits? What the heck does “golden hour” even mean? I’m guessing when you started considering these things you weren’t thinking about where the sun was in the sky. As a primarily outdoor photographer I live and die by sunrise and sunset. It pretty much dictates most of the decisions when it comes to your photography! Why?

First Priority is LIGHT

Have you ever noticed first thing in the morning how dreamy the light is softly streaming in through your windows highlighting your cup of coffee or in the evenings, flooding through the trees, practically causing them to glow? THAT is the mysterious “golden hour” and it’s basically a drug for photographers, haha! Because the sun is lower on the horizon it creates soft beautiful light that is oh so DREAMY for photography. It is also the most flattering for photos because the sun isn’t creating harsh shadows, you aren’t squinting in the bright light and we can use two different types of light to create magic. When the sun is low and behind you you are “back lit”, when the sun is low and directly shining on you that is “front lit” - these two scenarios result in great light to create amazing portraits. 

Of course I always help my couples when it comes to their wedding day timeline - but knowing when the best light is can help you as well in your planning process from the get go. So remember, right after sunrise and right before sunset is the best time of day.

Pro Tip: Remember to think about the sunrise/sunset time on your actual wedding date, not the current date! If you’re currently planning in April for a wedding date in October, sunrise and sunset will be at very different times! Just do a quick google search. But these are just general timing guidelines! Depending on where you are going, if there are mountain peaks the sun will need extra time to rise behind them or if you’re going to a waterfall in a valley the sun won’t reach until a bit later, etc.

I know it sounds like a lot to consider - so just ask! I’m here to help and I have an incredible tool that I use where I can see the sunlight at any time of day, any place in the world!

Now can you only get beautiful images in those time frames? Of course not - I have shot in all different types of light at various times of the day, in all different kinds of weather, so don’t be worried. It’s just that when we can, we will always aim for those two times of day for the most ideal scenario.

Our Second Priority is PRIVACY 

Especially when getting married outdoors on public land you are at the mercy of the public so prioritizing privacy may be in your best interest for a few reasons. Likely, you are already a little nervous and you don’t need the added attention of strangers, you also don’t want them in the background of your photos! Additionally, you don’t want to have to wait around for a parking space, or that epic spot on the summit where everyone else is lined up to get “the shot”. Lastly, you don’t want the distraction. This is a time for you two to focus on each other and you want to be as comfortable as possible. 

This is where our besties, sunrise and sunset come into play! Most people hitting the trails are there during peak hours in the middle of the day, after they’ve had breakfast, but gone in time to be back for dinner. Sunset can still be quite popular so if you are really wanting to avoid people, sunrise will ultimately be best.

“But I’m not a morning person!”. Don’t worry me either. And while sunrise will require an early morning call time - you don’t have to be a morning person to enjoy it. You just have to be a morning person for ONE DAY, haha. As a fellow night owl, I will say there are some perks. The morning is truly a peaceful time of day. Sometimes you get the trail, mountain views, waterfall etc. all to yourself which is a TREAT. You get to celebrate all day long. You probably aren’t really sleeping the night before your wedding anyways because of the anticipation. And whose to say you can’t incorporate a thermos of hot coffee or even a nap in your day! 

Pro Tip: If you have the flexibility, opt for a week day. Honestly! There will always be way less crowds (in nature and in town!), you’ll have more options because you won’t need to avoid the popular trails, and sometimes there are discounts for week days when it comes to entrance fees, activities, etc.