Bridal Portraits at Coral Beach Club during Golden Hour
When planning a photo shoot - whether it’s a family portrait session, an elopement, or a large wedding - it’s important to consider the time of day you capture specific images. It’s also a good idea to keep the weather in mind for your session. Both the weather and the nautral light will affect the overall look of your images. While we cannot control the weather, we can adjust the timing of your session in attempts to capture the strongest natural light.
In this blog post - I’m taking a close look at the natural light that was available during different photo shoots at various times of the day. I’m starting with midday, which if the weather is nice - could provide super bright light). From there, I’m moving on to talk about the light that is availble “just outside” of the golden hour, which if the wather is nice - could also provide a bright light. Last, I’m ending with “golden hour” time of day, which provides more of a soft light.
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MidDay
When = Shoot Starting 3-4 Hours after Sunrise or Shoot Ending 3-4 Hours before Sunset
I typically do not recommend shooting in the middle of the day as it can pose several challenges. When the sun is high, this can cause stark highlights and dark shadows on faces. It can also create dark shadows elsewhere, causing a lack of detail in certain objects. Particularly on a bright sunny day - it can also cause those having their photo taken to squint. In the diagram below, I point out where we see these issues:
Family Portrait at Midday at Jobson’s Cove in June
We also see heavy shadows in the photo below, either from an object off to the side or shadows being created by the subjects. In both of these images (directly above and directly below), a fill flash was used to minimize the stark highlights and dark shadows.
If it’s sunny during midday, the landscape’s color can be very vibrant. It may go without saying, although the color of the water will depend on the weather. Meaning, if it’s sunny out, the water will reflect what is going on in the sky and the water will look more blue. If it’s cloudy out, the water will reflect what’s going on in the sky - and look more blue-grey.
Midday is typically when the temperature and humidity are at it’s highest. This can cause those having their photos taken to sweat profusely. Picture this: sweaty brows & patches of sweat on outfits, which is not the best look for a photo session. Not to mention, clients run the risk of there being other tourists at the shoot location during midday.
Family Portrait at Midday at Jobson’s Cove
Just Outside of “Sunrise / Sunset” Golden Hour
When = Shoot Starting 2 Hours after Sunrise or Shoot Ending 2 Hours before Sunset
Depending on the weather, the natural light just outside of the golden hour can be nice. The light is not as harsh as midday, although it’s not as soft as during the golden hour. I have included a few example photos below.
The light during this time of day can change drastically depending on the weather. In the image below on the left, you’ll notice shadows and highlights on the couple’s faces; these are formed by the direct sunlight.
In the image on the right, there are few clouds, which can assist in creating a softer light. Typically, the softer light is more flattering in photos.
For reference, these photos were taken a few minutes apart. The change in light was merely due to a cloud coming in front of the sun.
Elopement Photos at Cambridge Beaches Resort “Just Oustide” of Sunrise/Sunset in February
The two images directly below were also captured just outside of the golden hour at John Smith’s Bay Beach in July 11, 2024. The exact date will become relevant shortly.
In the photo on the left, I moved the couple out of the direct sunlight and into the shade to capture them under a softer light. With a diffused flash, I was able to expose the couple and the far background similarly. However, we still have a large shadow on the sand, which was created by the large tree behind me
In the group shot on the right, notice the vibrant landscape colors; the stark highlights and shadows. In terms of the weather, we can clearly see it was a beautiful day: sunny with a few clouds.
After capturing the family (above) at John Smith’s Bay, I went over to Rosewood Bermuda and photographed another family. Although this time, I was capturing images during the “golden hour”. The images directly below were captured on the same day; only a few hours apart. You can really see the difference in lighting between the two.
Family Photos at Rosewood Bermuda’s Beach Club during Golden Hour on July 11, 2024. Click “here” to see full blog post.
“Sunrise / Sunset” Golden Hour
When = Shoot Starting at Sunrise (or 15-20min after sunrise) > 2 Hours
or Shoot Starting 2 Hours before Sunset > ending about 15-20min before the sun actually sets
As mentioned, the Golden Hour occurs around sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and golden. Because this light is so flattering, it’s the ideal time to take portraits outside! If you’re scheduling your bridal or group portraits for a wedding or are thinking of investing in an outdoor photo shoot, consider the time of day and how the natural light will affect your images. Below is another image capture during this time frame. To learn more about the Golden Hour - please click “here”.
This timeframe typically provides lower tempertures and lower humidity; particularly April - November in Bermuda. It may be helpful to consider this time of day to avoid “sweat stains” seen in your photos and/or sweaty brows & hair.
Bridal Portraits at the Unfinished Church at Golden Hour in February
CLOUDY WEATHER
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention what may occur in an image if the weather is cloudy. You’ll often find some photographers say they love to shoot during this weather mainly because the excess of clouds a) adds “drama” to the photo and b) diffuses the light and provdes a softer look to the photos. We see a few examples of this below:
Mary & Doug’s Proposal above; captured at Rosewood Bermuda (previoiusly known as “Tucker’s Point”). Click “here” to access blog post & see more photos.
Allyn & Zi Ran’s Engagement Session; captured at both Gibbit Island and Abbot’s Cliff. Click “here” to see the full blog post.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TIME OF DAY
When it “comes down to it” - clients may schedule their photo shoot during a time of day that may provide the best natural light and/or may simply work with their travel and/or work schedule.
Some clients may opt for a midday shoot as that is the time they have free. Some may opt for an earlier time slot just before or after the golden hour for several reasons. Perhaps there’s a young child who needs to go to sleep early? Or perhaps it’s a last minute booking and a golden hour time slot is not available?
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to understand a few things about natural light and how it may affect the outcome of the photos.
BE FLEXIBLE
When planning a photo shoot - paritcularly for a wedding or elopement - have a timeline to set yourself up for the best photos possible. Although, it’s just as important to realize that sometimes, things don’t always go as planned - and that’s okay! I encourage all clients to be a little flexible when it comes to their photo shoot plans; particularly when it comes to weather. To help ensure you are able to capture memorable moments, have a back-up plan in mind regarding a “rain date” option and/or an indoor venue in mind.
