When it comes to portrait photography, timing isn’t just important — it’s everything.
The time of day can completely transform the look and feel of your photos. Harsh light can create sharp shadows and squinting eyes, while soft light can add warmth, depth, and magic to even the simplest scene.
So, when is the best time to schedule your session? Let’s break it down.
🌅 Golden Hour: The Favorite for a Reason
The golden hour is that magical window right after sunrise or just before sunset. During this time, the light is soft, warm, and flattering. It wraps gently around your face, adds a beautiful glow to skin tones, and gives your photos a dreamy, cinematic feel.
Most of my portrait sessions in Austin are scheduled during golden hour — especially for couples, families, and solo portraits. Whether we’re at a park, in an open field, or downtown near textured walls and trees, this light makes everything look beautiful.
☀️ Midday Light: Not Ideal, But Sometimes It Works
Midday sun — especially in Texas — can be harsh. The light comes from directly overhead, which can create strong shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin. It’s also more likely to make people squint.
That said, if your only available time is around noon, there are still ways to make it work. I usually look for shaded areas (like under trees or next to buildings), or use backlight and soft reflectors to even things out.
🌤 Cloudy Days: Don’t Cancel!
Many people assume that overcast skies mean bad photos — but actually, clouds are amazing. They act like a giant natural softbox, diffusing the sunlight and making everything look smooth and even.
Cloudy weather is perfect for natural skin tones and moodier, more intimate portraits. You won’t get dramatic sun flares, but the lighting will be consistent — and that’s a big win.
🌙 Evening Blue Hour: Underrated & Atmospheric
The blue hour is the short window just after sunset. The sky takes on deep blues and purples, and the ambient light becomes soft and moody.
It’s ideal if you want your photos to feel romantic, artistic, or cinematic. It pairs beautifully with urban locations or open skies.
🕒 So, What Time Should You Choose?
For most people and most sessions, golden hour is the top choice — and it’s the one I recommend the most. But depending on your location, mood, and availability, other times of day can absolutely work too.
As your photographer, I’ll help you pick the best timing based on your goals and the look you’re going for. Whether we’re chasing warm light, even skin tones, or something dramatic — timing is one of the tools I use to help tell your story.
Want to schedule a session with the best light possible?
Let’s pick the perfect time — and create something unforgettable.
