Timing the photoshoot

The timing of the photo shoot is imperative, and I think of a lot of people don’t understand this.

I try when possible to schedule my photoshoots right before sundown. The light is beautiful and the photo will look much better.

I think many people think the best time for shooting is in the middle of the day when the sun is shining brightly. That’s not the case. Some photographers may feel differently about this, but I try not to shoot in direct sunlight. The issues with shooting in direct sunlight are harsh shadows and blown-out skies. I have seen photos (not mine) where the subject is looking into the sun and shadows from eyelashes are cast on the face under the eye.

I understand that sometimes shooting in the middle of the day is unavoidable. My practice in this case is to find a shady spot. Some photographers may feel this is boring, but it will provide even lighting on the face without harsh shadowing.

The best time to shoot is when the sun is going down. It’s important to have the sun behind the subject. This will often provide some lovely rim lighting around the subject’s head. The sky will look prettier too when the sun is going down.

The hour before sunset is known as the “golden hour” and it is the time when every photographer aspires to shoot. Golden hour provides beautiful lighting for photographers.

Sunset photos are also lovely. That’s why many wedding photographers will try to pull the couple outside for some sunset photos.

Overcast days aren’t so bad for photographers. The sky may be gray but there won’t be any harsh shadows to contend with. Skies can always be enhanced in editing if necessary.

This article is part of a series on trusting your photographer. Read the other articles on the best places to shoot, posing, photo editing, and what to do with the photos when you have them back.