Golden Hour: The Best Time to Take Pictures Outside

Best Time to Take Pictures Outside

George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, said that light is the key to photography. With too little light, the camera cannot capture enough detail. Too much, and your image will look flat and dull. If you’ve ever attempted landscape photography only to be disappointed by the result, it was probably the lighting. Pro photographers have many photography tips and tricks to achieve the most flattering and best light for portrait photography inside their studios. But how do they make early morning and late evening outdoor portraits pop without a camera flash? They plan their shoots for the best time to take pictures outside, when the natural light is not too bright or too dark—Golden Hour. ☀️

At ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photoshoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to share all the best times and tips about Golden Hour for the best pictures outside. 📸

TLDR

(A little sneak peek just for you 😊)

• What is Golden Hour? – Also known as magic hour, it occurs twice a day—the hour right after sunrise and before sunset.
• Sunrise Golden Hour – Nothing beats feeling like you have the world to yourself in those moments after dawn.
• Sunset Golden Hour – The golden tones at sunset warm up your photography, creating a happy, optimistic, and especially romantic mood.
• Midday Photoshoot Tips – Seek out a shady area. This way, the light is evenly distributed, so there are no unflattering shadows, and everyone will feel more comfortable.
• Overcast & Cloudy Photoshoots – Overcast days, when the sky is full of clouds, are surprisingly one of the best outdoor conditions for photographers.
• Rainy Day Photoshoots – To achieve a peak rain aesthetic, all you 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.

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 for outdoor photography.

The biggest mistake you could make when shooting portraits during Golden Hour is to miss it! Use a weather app to find out exactly when sunsets or sunrises happen in your area for the time of year, and give yourself enough time to scope out the perfect location.

Photo: Flytographer in Dubai. Naomi and partner celebrate an engagement in Dubai with an engagement trip photoshoot in the Dubai Desert.

Sunrise Golden Hour

Pros

Even if you’re not a natural early riser, nothing beats having the world to yourself in those 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. 

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 street photography is cleanliness: as street cleaners are usually out at dawn, your backgrounds are tourist- and litter-free.

Depending on where you’re travelling from, jetlag may work in your favour here. If you know you’ll struggle to sleep early on your trip, make the most of it and book a sunrise session for the best time to take pictures outside! 📷

Cons

It can be early, especially for kids! Setting your alarm is worth it for a memory you will treasure forever. On the other hand, if you or your travel mates are sure sunrise is not for you, nature supplies a second chance later in the day. Getting ready for the shoot is reserved for 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.

Sunset Golden Hour

Pros

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 is sunset more convenient, but it’s also 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. The low angle of the sun also allows photographers to get creative. 

Once Golden Hour is over, stick around for Blue Hour. That 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 portraits, it’s perfect for dramatic silhouettes against the sky, and alternative light sources can make for aesthetic bokeh (blurred light circles) in the background of your photos.

Cons

The only downside to choosing sunset for your photoshoot is its popularity. You’ll be sharing your special moment with a lot of other people in a tourist hotspot.

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: Madison in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Shiva and family celebrate a birthday in Jackson Hole with a birthday photoshoot at Outer Park Road.

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Midday-light Photoshoot Tips

A busy schedule means you may not always have the opportunity to wait for the perfect lighting conditions. In the middle of the day, when the sun is overhead, the direct light casts deep shadows and makes you squint—not the look you’re going for.

In this case, seek out a shady area. This way, the light will be evenly distributed, so there are no unflattering shadows, and everyone will feel more comfortable. 😎

If you can’t find shade, ask the person you’re snapping to stand with their back to the midday sun. This way, at least, they won’t be squinting!

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer. Roy and partner capture memories in Madrid with a couples photoshoot in Retiro Park.

Overcast & Cloudy Photoshoots

The weather may be dull, but your photographs won’t be! Overcast days, when the sky is full of clouds, can make for the best time to take pictures outside. The clouds act as a giant diffuser box, softening the light and preventing shadows. Unlike in Golden Hour, when the light changes dramatically throughout the session by the sun setting or rising, overcast days are much more predictable in terms of lighting.

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

If you plan 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: Deborah in Taormina for Flytographer. Kasandra and partner celebrate their babymoon in Taormina with a babymoon photoshoot in the City Centre.

Rainy Day Photoshoots

The most challenging conditions for an outdoor photoshoot are rain! But with an umbrella and a smile, you will get some beautiful shots. To achieve a peak rain aesthetic, all you 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.

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 the key to photography—so for the best results, connect with a photographer familiar with the local conditions. Hiring a Flytographer means you will be with a photographer who understands the area and how to make the most of the Golden Hour light, giving you peace of mind during your outdoor photo session.