By Lucie Wicker
If you’ve ever taken a photo outside at noon and wondered why it looks harsh, flat, or overly bright, the answer is simple: light matters more than almost anything else in photography!
Professional photographers don’t just look for a beautiful location. We look for beautiful light.
The best time of day for outdoor photos is typically during what photographers call “golden hour.” This happens shortly after sunrise and again in the hour before sunset. During these times, the sun sits lower in the sky, creating soft, warm light that wraps naturally around people and landscapes. The difference can be dramatic.
At midday, the sun sits directly overhead. That creates strong shadows under eyes and noses, washed-out colors, and people squinting into the brightness. It’s one of the toughest times of day to take flattering photos.
Early morning and evening light, on the other hand, creates a completely different feel. Skin tones look more natural, colors become richer, and the light adds depth and dimension to the image.
This is why photographers often schedule outdoor sessions in the early evening. Not only is the light more flattering, but people are usually more relaxed at the end of the day. There’s a calmness to that time of day that shows up in photos.
Of course, perfect light isn’t always possible with busy schedules. In those cases, there are still ways to make the most of the situation like finding open shade, positioning people with the sun behind them (ie “backlit”), or using natural surroundings to soften the light.
However, If you really want photos that feel natural, vibrant, and timeless, timing your session around the light makes all the difference. It’s a small shift that can completely transform the final image!
Lucie Wicker is the owner of Lucie Wicker Photography, which specializes in empowering fitness, wellness, and active lifestyle brands through bold, story-driven content that captivates, connects, and converts. Learn more about Lucie here.