The timing of your wedding photography session can determine your photography results. With the many activities that take place at weddings, it might be challenging to decide on the best time to take your wedding pictures. Here is the best time for wedding photographers to take your wedding photos:
Morning Hours
Early morning is a great time to take wedding photos. The sun may not have fully risen or be too bright in the early morning. The light is gentle and does not create harsh shadows. Early morning sun can provide neutral lighting that can add life and color to your photographs.
Take advantage of your morning time with family and friends to capture those special moments. If time allows, have a first look and couples photography session in the morning before the ceremony begins.
Afternoon Hours
Afternoon hours are also ideal for outdoor photographs. Later in the afternoon, the sun is not directly overhead at this time, creating shadows that provide shady areas. Late afternoon photos taken under a wedding arch, a tree, or a building awning can be gorgeous. Turn your back towards the sun when taking pictures for even lighting.
The afternoon can be ideal for taking post-ceremony pictures with friends and family. Dedicate adequate time for photographs with your immediate family, as these can make great memories of your wedding day.
Golden Hour
Make time for photos with your partner as the bright afternoon sun fades away. The couple’s session should end before the sun sets for the best lighting. The sky may be colorful that half hour before the sun sets. This can allow your photographer to photograph you and your partner with a scenic background.
Golden hour falls much earlier in winter, so you might want to schedule your couple’s session earlier to take advantage of the natural background. If your wedding venue is in an urban area with tall buildings blocking the view of the skyline, consider rooftop photos during the golden hour for a magical effect. Golden hour photos may also look beautiful against an ocean or greenery.
Sunset may come at different times depending on your location and the season. Research beforehand to know when to schedule your couple’s photography session. Visit your venue with your wedding photographer a few days before your wedding. Note how the shadows fall as the sun sets to determine when to take the best golden hour pictures.
Evening Hours
Sneak out with your partner for a few minutes during your reception to take some night shots. There is often little light at night depending on the outdoor lighting. This should not be a problem if your venue is well-lit. Professional wedding photographers can create light from artificial sources like strobes. Experienced photographers may also know how to balance ambient light from the moon and stars and artificial lights for even lighting.
You can arrange with your photographer to take night shots after all the guests leave the reception. Areas in your reception with decorative lights or fountains create a romantic background for nighttime photos. Nighttime can also create an atmosphere of intimacy, making beautiful couple shots.
Hire Professional Wedding Photographers
To get the most out of your photo session, be mindful of the best time of day to take your wedding photos. This can help you have beautiful lighting without harsh shadows or squinting eyes.
Scheduling your photo session at the above times can yield stunning results and provide a lasting memory you may treasure for a lifetime. Hire professional wedding photographers who understand how to capitalize on lighting and create beautiful shots with the right amount of light.
