When it comes to capturing the perfect wedding moments, timing is everything. While selecting a photographer is crucial, the time of day also plays a significant role in determining the outcome. As couples plan their photo shoot, they must consider factors like the season, weather, and location to ensure optimal results. With that in mind, let’s dive into the best and worst times of day for taking wedding photos.
A stunning sunset shot from Malissa and Zachary’s special day serves as a reminder of the importance of timing.
When To Take Your Photos…
When it comes to capturing timeless moments on your special day, timing can make all the difference. Golden hour, which takes place in the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, is widely regarded as the sweet spot for snapping those unforgettable wedding photos. During this period, the sun’s rays soften and diffuse, providing a gentle, warm glow that enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings and your loved ones.
With temperatures slightly cooler than the peak heat of the day, you’ll feel more at ease during your photo shoot. For photographers, golden hour presents a unique opportunity to experiment with angles and lighting, as the reduced harshness allows for more creative freedom. And while taking photos just before sunset is undoubtedly popular, it’s just one of the many ways to make the most of this magical hour.
When To Have Your Ceremony…
When planning your wedding photo shoot during golden hour, it’s essential to consider the timeline. For earlier afternoon weddings, golden hour often coincides with the middle of the reception – not the most ideal time for an impromptu photo session. This is where a late afternoon or evening wedding can work in your favor. By having your ceremony and main celebration after sunset, you’ll be able to capture stunning golden hour photos without sacrificing precious time with your guests.
Just ask Jaide and Chris, who made the most of their romantic sunset moment – see their special day here.
Seasonal Sunsets…
The timing of your wedding season can significantly impact the duration and timing of golden hour. In the summer months, the later sunset and prolonged twilight period provide ample opportunity to capture stunning golden hour moments. Conversely, winter weddings will need to be scheduled earlier to coincide with the shorter golden hour window that occurs during this time.
As a result, couples planning a winter wedding must carefully consider their ceremony timing to ensure they can still enjoy the romantic ambiance of golden hour.
Weather woes…
Light can be influenced by both the time of year and the weather on a specific day. On cloudy days, for instance, light tends to fade at a faster rate compared to clear skies. This also makes it more challenging to capture that sought-after golden hour lighting. Yet, overcast days shouldn’t be overlooked; they can still yield remarkable photos since there are no harsh shadows or unflattering light to contend with.
To optimize your wedding photography on cloudy days, consider adjusting your schedule to take advantage of the available natural light. Flexibility is crucial in capturing the perfect moments.
Location, Location, Location…
When planning a wedding photoshoot, it’s crucial to consider the location and its impact on the timing and duration of the shoot. The results of golden hour photography also depend heavily on the setting in which they are taken. For instance, a beachside wedding can enjoy extended sunlight, allowing for a wider range of photo opportunities until the sun dips below the horizon.
In contrast, weddings set against urban backdrops, such as cityscapes, will have a shorter window of golden hour and be more susceptible to shadows casting.
Love at First Glance…
For couples with limited time or seeking flexibility, there’s an array of options to achieve their dream wedding photos without sacrificing precious moments on the big day. One popular approach is a first look photoshoot, which takes place before the ceremony. Although the light may not be as soft as during the golden hour, an early morning shoot can still yield flattering results, avoiding harsh midday sunlight.
For couples seeking inspiration from Ashleigh and Elliot’s special day, explore more of their wedding story here.
Seek Out Shade…
When planning your wedding photography session, it’s not uncommon to face midday sun that can result in squinting subjects, washed-out backgrounds, and lost details on clothing. To overcome this challenge, it’s crucial to identify shaded areas at the location where you’ll be taking your photos. A simple solution is to visit the site beforehand and pinpoint areas with natural shade that will work best for your planned photo shoot time.
Communicate…
When working with your photographer, don’t be afraid to tap into their expertise. Collaborate with them extensively to gather valuable insights on the best and worst times to capture stunning wedding photos at your desired location. This can be especially helpful in determining the optimal timing for your big day. For inspiration, check out our list of Modern Wedding-approved photographers [link]!
Additionally, explore real-life examples of breathtaking weddings, like Claire and Aaron’s, by visiting their feature page [link]. If you’re still undecided on a venue, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with some top recommendations for locations offering incredible photo opportunities.