Does it really make a difference what time your session is shot? For this photographer, in one word, yes. I am a natural light photographer so when I shoot your session, sunlight makes a HUGE difference in the results. This especially applies to outdoor sessions, like seniors or family sessions. I prefer to shoot closer to sunrise or sunset. The “Golden Hour” as we photogs call it, is about one hour before sunset. That is my favorite time to shoot outdoor sessions, especially in the summer and fall. Why is this time ideal? Well, the best way for me to explain is to show you.
One day, last Fall, I took my trusty assistant (read: very unpredictable, but bribable 4 year old) out to a woodsy spot near our house. We did this twice in one day. Once around noon, and again near the golden hour. Can you tell which is which? The bottom image is from noon, the top image is from later in the day. Do you see the harsh shadows on his face in the bottom image? See how the background isn’t very pretty at all? In the top image, the way the sun hits the foliage when it is closer to setting is so much more pretty. In the top image, see how you can see his whole face?
Do I only shoot during these times? Ehhhh, I try to stick to it as close as possible, but there certainly are exceptions, like if we are in a shady area, or if it is an overcast day. I even try to plan my indoor newborn sessions when the light is best in my house, it really makes a difference in the amount of shadows on the baby.
So, I hope this helps you to understand why I really try to stick to specific shooting times. I want you to get the most flattering, best results possible.
