Lighting is incredibly important when taking photos, and natural sunlight is always the best option. Each time of day provides different lighting conditions. Therefore, paying attention to the time is essential for capturing stunning photos. Here are a few suggestions for the best time to take photos outside during the day.
The golden hour moment is the best time to take photos outside
During the day, sunrise and sunset are known as the golden hour or magic hour. This is the time when natural light is at its best, as the sun is low in the sky, shining gently and diffusing more softly than the harsh midday sun.
This best time to take photos outside provides lighting with very little contrast. It doesn’t obscure details in shadows or cause them to be lost in darkness. The soft light spreads evenly over the entire subject, adding depth and clearly showcasing the details and texture of the subject.
Additionally, the best time to take photos is when there are fewer people around, creating a peaceful space for photographers to fully unleash their artistic creativity. It also creates an incredibly beautiful and romantic atmosphere.
How to use the golden hour
Using the golden hour is popular for all types of outdoor photography. It’s ideal for capturing clear subjects, nature, landscapes, as well as portraits or any other kind of photography.
The golden hour varies by season, but this best time to take photos generally occurs from 6:30 to 7:30 AM and 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Therefore, we have roughly two hours each day to capture the stunning and artistic moments of the magic hour. If you want beautiful photos, you need to prepare carefully, as time never waits for anyone.
Each moment has its own unique beauty. Specifically, during the golden hour, everything becomes warmer. Thanks to the angled light, the shape and texture of objects are emphasized, creating shadow effects and natural contrasting color tones. The quality of light changes significantly and rapidly in the time leading up to and following the golden hour.
Some tips for taking photos during the golden hour
Here, we will share with you what you need to prepare to capture photos at the best time to take photos outside:
Use a tripod and remote control
During this time, the light is weak, which results in slow shutter speeds or long exposure times. That’s why using a tripod to prevent shaking is crucial for capturing sharp images. Although it can be challenging, you don’t want to miss this moment. What you need to do is set your camera on a sturdy tripod, adjust the ISO and use long exposure to take your shots.
A remote control helps minimize camera shake, reducing unwanted blur. Alternatively, you can use a soft shutter release cable or the camera’s timer mode.
Allow extra time
When the golden hour begins, you might be surprised. If you’re determined to capture the golden hour, be prepared to sacrifice a session for scouting locations and allowing extra time. To get the perfect artistic shot, you might also need to be ready to wake up in the middle of the night.
Take as many shots as possible
During the best time to take photos outside, the light changes continuously within just a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how different and special the scenes can look. With all the effort you’ve put in, instead of just getting a few shots, try to stay until the golden hour passes and capture as many impressive photos as you can.
We hope that with our tips, you’ll come away with stunning artistic photos. Shooting during the golden hour makes a significant difference compared to regular outdoor photography. Give it a try and sacrifice a bit of your time in bed to see the results.
