What time of day / What type of weather is best for a photo shoot?

Seattle Portrait Photographer | Seattle Music Photographer | Creatives / Actors / Musicians / Headshots / Portraits

There is a direct, straightforward answer to this and then another answer that includes: It depends what mood you are going for. I always say, learn the rule first, and then decide if you want to break it!

Here is my general rule and straightforward answer:

>> The best time of day to shoot is just after sunrise and/or just before sunset. “Magic Hour”. If you aren’t shooting at magic hour, then a slightly cool overcast day is best. Woohoo, Seattle! We’ve got that locked down! <<

Magic hour is great because it gives a soft light at an angle (not directly overhead). The light is typically a warm, gold hue - which is flattering and inviting. When the light is angled, it flatters the face more. This angled light mimics typical studio lighting and there are a variety of gorgeous things you can do with it. You can use it as a hair light and pop a fill light in front. You can use it to light the face evenly. You can use it to the side to create a Rembrandt style lighting.

Overhead (midday) light, in contrast, is not typically flattering. Picture shining a flashlight above your head in a dark room. Those creepy shadows are typically not what you want on shoot day. That said, photographers can do a lot to counter that mid-day light, if a sunny day is the look you are going for. I often use a scrim to soften and wrap the light and a strobe up and to the side or in front as “fill”. You can also find shade and consider locations with options to hide from the sun. However, if you choose a shady area, be careful that there is not too much “dapple light” meaning hot spots shining through trees, and not to much of a “hot light” behind the shade. You also have to check the background to be sure it isn’t much brighter than the foreground. Basically, midday light brings with it a lot of contrasty things to deal with. As I mentioned before, you may also decide to “break the rule” because you in fact do want that strong, sharp, contrasty, deep shadow light.

Overcast is great because it is like a giant softbox overhead. A softbox is a light modifier that photographers use in studio (or on location) to soften and wrap the light around a subject. When you wrap the light, it softens shadows, gives depth and texture, while remaining flattering. I happen to LOVE shooting on overcast days the most. I can create a slightly moody and rich image this way.

Magic hour and overcast are the most flattering types of light (and easiest to work with). However, you may want to create an images that is not so flattering or dramatic. You may actually want to shoot in rain, snow, or extremely bright light due to the image and the style that you’re into. Even so, it’s good to know what works well first, what the “rule” is, so that you know what and why you are breaking that rule!

Each session is very unique. When we begin working together we will discuss the look and feel that is right, before we decide the best weather and time of day for you!

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