Best Time of Day for Outdoor Portraits

BWLeePhotography · **Best Time of Day for Outdoor Portraits -** 07-30-2009, 06:29 AM

I'm doing an Engagement Shoot and was wondering what time of the day would be best for outdoor portraits to lessen the amount under/over exposure.

Killjoy · 07-30-2009, 08:56 AM

Bryan, I have found that to lessen the harsh sun in these instances, most photographers like to shoot either just around sunrise, or just around sunset.

There's a reason it's called " The sweet light".

RochinPhotography · 07-30-2009, 09:56 AM

"Golden Hour" as I refer to it is as Alan says sunrise and sunset. If you can pull it off. If not have some flash to over power the sun.

edward.hall · 07-31-2009, 12:05 AM

Sunrise and sunset it is.

SanDShooter · 07-31-2009, 08:25 AM

Rule of thumb is 30min before and 2 hours after sunrise and 1.5 hours before, and 1.5 hours after sunset.

Dave · 08-04-2009, 05:03 PM

On the other hand, if you put the subject(s) in open shade, almost any time will do. No squinting and even lighting.

Dave

SanDShooter · 08-06-2009, 07:48 AM

Just make sure it is even shade instead of sloppy lighting. I would almost rather shoot in harsh light then have splotchy lighting.

BWLeePhotography · 08-11-2009, 02:24 AM

Thanks for all the tips guys!