Outdoor photography can be incredibly rewarding, but knowing when is the best time to take pictures outside can be confusing for beginners. You might hear about the “golden hour” as the perfect time, but the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The best time of day for photography depends on the type of photos you want, the lighting conditions, and even the weather.
In this guide, we’ll discuss not only when is the best time to take pictures outside, but also how to adapt to different times of day for various types of photography.
You’ll also learn about the worst time of the day for photoshooting. Let’s dive in:
When is the best time to take pictures outside?
The best time to take pictures outside varies depending on the kind of photos you want. For example, golden hour offers warm, soft lighting, while midday can give you strong contrast and sharp shadows.
However, there isn’t one universally “best” time—your timing should be driven by your goals for the shoot.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding when is the best time to take pictures outside:
Lighting
Natural light transforms dramatically from sunrise to sunset. Early and late in the day, light is warmer and softer, casting longer shadows and adding depth. Midday light, on the other hand, is more direct and intense, often creating sharp shadows.
Understanding these changes can help you pick the best time of day based on the mood and style you’re aiming for.
Shadows and contrast
The sun’s position affects shadow length and direction. In the morning or late afternoon, shadows are longer, which can add depth and drama to landscapes or architectural shots.
Midday light produces shorter shadows, giving high contrast that can emphasize colors and textures—though it can be tricky for portraiture without diffused light.
Weather conditions
The weather greatly impacts outdoor lighting quality. Overcast or cloudy days provide a diffused, even light, which softens shadows and reduces harsh highlights—ideal for portraits and close-up shots of plants or textures.
Bright, sunny days bring out rich colors but create harder shadows, especially around noon. Fog or mist can add a dreamy, atmospheric quality to landscapes, while rainy days often create a subdued, reflective mood that works well for capturing moody, unique scenes.
Seasonal and location-based variations
Depending on the time of year, the quality of light will vary. Winter light is generally cooler and lower in the sky throughout the day, which can create a softer, more diffuse effect, even at midday.
In summer, the sun is higher and the light more intense, making early morning and late evening the most forgiving times for shooting.
Consider these seasonal shifts, especially if you’re planning shots around a specific landscape or natural feature.
Best time to take pictures outside for different types of photography
As we have already mentioned, there is not a specific best time of the day for all types of photography and subjects.
So, how do you know which time of the day is best for the photographs you want to take? Below is the guide you are looking for!
1. Golden hour
Golden hour, the most popular time for outdoor photographers, occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. Many call it the best time of day to take pictures outside for portraits and landscapes because of its warm, glowing light.
Best for: Casual portraits, professional headshots, landscapes, and backlit scenes.
Timing: Typically, an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset.
Why It’s the best time: The sun is low in the sky at that time, creating soft, warm light with fewer harsh shadows. It’s ideal for capturing rich tones and dramatic light without the intensity of the midday sun.
Effects: Golden, soft lighting that enhances colors and gives a dreamy, romantic effect to photos.
2. Blue hour
The blue hour is the period just before sunrise and just after sunset. It’s often overlooked but can be the best time to take pictures outside for night photography or cityscapes. You will need a proper lighting setup to capture grain-free images.
Best for: Night photography, cityscapes, and silhouettes.
Timing: About 30-40 minutes before sunrise or after sunset.
Why It’s the best time: The soft, diffused blue light creates a moody atmosphere and offers a stunning backdrop for city lights or silhouetted subjects.
Effects: Cool tones, soft light, and the chance to balance natural and artificial light.
3. Midday
While often thought of as the worst time of day to take pictures, midday light can be useful if you’re shooting in high-action environments or need a lot of light for fast shutter speeds.
Best for: Action photography, sports, beach scenes.
Timing: Late morning to early afternoon, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Why it can be the best time: The bright, direct light allows for higher shutter speeds, making it perfect for fast-moving subjects. While the light is harsh, it can be used creatively in the right situations.
Effects: Strong contrasts, deep shadows, and vibrant colors.
4. Late morning / Early afternoon
This period offers bright light but is slightly less harsh than midday, making it a more forgiving time for beginners. It’s often the best time of day for photography when golden hour isn’t an option.
Best For: Street photography, travel shots, candid moments.
Timing: Between 9 AM and 11 AM, or from 2 PM to 4 PM.
Why It’s the best time: You still get plenty of light, but it’s easier to control, especially if you’re shooting outdoors without professional lighting.
Effects: Balanced light with moderate contrast, ideal for everyday outdoor shots.
5. Overcast days
Overcast days provide soft, diffused light, making them one of the best times to take pictures outside for portraits and nature photography. You get even lighting without the harsh shadows of bright sunlight.
Best for: Portraits, macro photography, textures.
Timing: Anytime during daylight hours when the sky is overcast.
Why It’s the best time: Clouds act as a natural softbox, providing flattering, even lighting that’s perfect for detailed shots and portraits.
Effects: Soft lighting with muted colors, no harsh shadows.
6. Sunrise and sunset
Similar to golden hour, sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, colorful skies and soft light, making them the best time to take pictures outside for dramatic, atmospheric shots.
Best for: Landscapes, wildlife, seascapes.
Timing: 30 minutes before and after the sun rises or sets.
Why It’s the best time: The vivid colors and soft, flattering light create stunning visual effects, perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.
Effects: Intense colors, long shadows, and atmospheric light.
Worst time of day to take pictures for different Types of photography
Unlike indoor photoshooting with a studio setup, knowing when not to photoshoot outdoors is just as important as knowing when the best time of day for photography is.
Sometimes, the light can work against you, especially if you’re not prepared.
Let’s learn about the worst times of the day for outdoor for different photography types:
Midday for portraits
Midday light is often considered the worst time of day to take pictures for portraits because the sun is directly overhead, casting harsh shadows on the face. To avoid unflattering light, shoot in the shade or use a reflector.
Bright sunny days for landscapes
The intense sunlight washes out colors and creates deep, unattractive shadows. Early morning or late afternoon is a much better time for landscape photography.
Golden hour for fast-moving subjects
While Golden hour is amazing for still photography, it’s not the best time of day for photography if you’re trying to shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The lower light levels can make it difficult to freeze motion without blurring.
Blue hour for portraits without lighting
Blue Hour’s dim light is stunning for moody scenes but can be the worst time to take pictures for portraits unless you have external lighting to illuminate your subject.
In a nutshell
The best time to take pictures outside depends on what you’re trying to capture. Different times of day offer different benefits. There’s no single “perfect” time for every type of outdoor photography.
Instead, experiment at various times to discover what works best for your style and subject matter. Also, don’t forget to post-process your images after your photoshooting session. Our team at Tech Cloud Ltd is always ready to help you out.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions) on outdoor photography timing
1. What is the best time of day for photos?
The best time of day for photos varies widely depending on the mood, lighting, and effect you’re aiming for. Golden hour offers soft, warm light that’s great for portraits and landscapes. Overcast days are excellent for portraits as well, while midday light can work for action shots, offering bright, even lighting.
2. What time is the golden hour in photography?
Golden hour occurs about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. However, exact times depend on season and location. Golden hour is often considered the best time of day to take pictures outside for certain styles of photography because it creates a warm glow and softer shadows. It provides flattering, warm light with soft shadows. This is why it is popular for romantic or dreamy photo styles.
3. Is noon a good time to take pictures outside?
Noon, or midday, is often challenging because of the harsh, direct sunlight that creates intense shadows. But if you’re shooting fast-paced subjects, like sports or wildlife, noon might actually be the best time of day for photography as the bright light allows for faster shutter speeds. If shooting portraits, find shaded areas to soften shadows.
4. Is it better to take pictures when it’s sunny or cloudy?
Cloudy days are often the best time to take pictures outside for portraits and close-up shots because the clouds diffuse sunlight, creating soft, even lighting. Sunny days, however, bring out vibrant colors and strong shadows, which can work well for landscapes or dynamic scenes.
5. What is the best daylight for photography?
There is no single best daylight for photography; it depends on the look you want. Golden hour offers a warm glow perfect for romantic or dreamy photos, while overcast daylight provides even lighting for crisp, detailed shots. Blue hour adds a moody tone, and midday daylight can bring out vivid colors.
6. What kind of weather is best for pictures?
Overcast weather is often considered the best weather for outdoor photography because the clouds diffuse sunlight, offering soft, even lighting with no harsh shadows. Sunny weather is great for high-energy scenes or landscapes where bright colors are important. Mist or fog can add an ethereal quality to landscapes. So, the best kind of weather for outdoor pictures depends on the mood you want to create.
7. Should the sun be behind you when taking pictures?
Having the sun behind you gives even lighting and makes it easier to illuminate your subject, which can be ideal for beginners. But for more creative effects, like silhouettes or backlit scenes, try having the sun to the side or behind your subject, especially during golden hour.
8. What is the best color for outdoor photos?
Neutral and earthy tones tend to work best in outdoor photos as they blend well with natural surroundings. Soft colors are more forgiving in bright daylight, while richer tones can stand out beautifully during golden hour. Avoid overly bright colors in harsh midday light, as they can appear washed out.
9. How to take pictures in full sun?
Taking pictures in full sun can be tricky, as it creates harsh shadows. Position your subject so the sun is slightly behind or to the side, which softens shadows and reduces squinting. Alternatively, find an open shade to soften the light, or use a reflector to balance the harshness.
10. What camera settings for outside pictures?
For outdoor pictures, use a low ISO setting (like ISO 100-400) to keep your images sharp in bright daylight. Adjust your camera aperture based on the depth of field you need (e.g., a low f-stop for blurred backgrounds in portraits or a higher one for sharp landscapes). Shutter speed should vary depending on your subject—faster for action, slower for static scenes.
11. How do you take beautiful pictures outside?
To take beautiful pictures outside, plan for the best time of day for photography based on your desired lighting and mood. The right timing can enhance your photos, whether it’s golden hour, blue hour, or an overcast day. Use natural elements like trees or buildings to frame your subject, and consider adding depth by incorporating foreground elements. Enjoy the special light and weather in each scene! Have fun experimenting with different angles and camera settings to capture the best image you can.
