Best Time for Outdoor Wedding Photography

Everyone wants to look flattering in portraits. While there are many factors that you can control to achieve beautiful pictures, the easiest one is simply knowing the best time of day to have your photos taken. Your hired wedding photographer should know and advise you on the best time for outdoor wedding photography, but if you need to make plans in advance before a photography consultation, keep the following tips in mind.

Golden Hour

A truly golden moment during this autumn wedding

“Golden hour” or “magic hour” is aptly named for the period after sunrise or before sunset when the world is bathed in a soft, golden glow. Because the sun is low in the sky, its light rays are diffused as they travel through the atmosphere. Compared to noon, when the sun is directly overhead, resulting in harsh light and unflattering shadows across your face, golden hour gently illuminates for a soft, dewey complexion.

This photo is also backlit, resulting in even less contrast and an ethereal, romantic mood.

Golden hour is the most coveted time of day by photographers, but like all things beautiful, it is fleeting. Although the term “hour” is used figuratively, it is still a short period of time that requires some degree of planning, especially if you want the most beautiful portraits on your busy wedding day. Luckily, there is a fantastic site that allows you to pinpoint the exact duration of golden hour for a future date. www.golden-hour.com has been very useful in helping to recommend the best time for outdoor wedding photography to clients. 

Engagement photo shoot at Cantigny Park during golden hour.

The next time there’s a sunny day, pay attention to the quality of light following sunrise or before sunset to appreciate the magnificence of this special moment.