The short answer
For outdoor photos, the soft, warm light shortly after sunrise and before sunset, usually called golden hour, is the most widely recommended time. It is not the only good option, though. Overcast days, open shade, and the short blue hour around dusk and dawn can all give excellent results. The best time depends on your subject and the mood you want.
Golden hour
Golden hour is the period after sunrise and before sunset when the sun sits low in the sky. Light travels through more atmosphere, which makes it softer and warmer, and shadows are longer and gentler. Skin tones tend to look flattering, and landscapes often gain depth and color.
How long does golden hour last?
There is no fixed length. It is often described as roughly an hour, but the real duration changes with your latitude, the season, and the terrain around you. Near the poles it can last much longer, while closer to the equator it can be shorter. Hills, buildings, and trees can also cut it short. Plan for a window rather than a precise minute.
How to find golden hour times
Look up sunrise and sunset times for your location, then plan to shoot in the hour or so after sunrise or before sunset. Several apps and websites calculate golden hour for any date and place, and a weather app’s sunrise and sunset times work too. Arrive early so you can set up before the light is at its best, since it changes quickly.
Blue hour
Blue hour is the short stretch just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep blue and the light is soft and even. It tends to suit cityscapes, lit buildings, and moody portraits. Because the light is dim, you will usually need a tripod, a higher ISO, or a wider aperture to keep images sharp.
Midday
When the sun is high, light tends to be harsh, with strong shadows under eyes and noses and bright highlights. Many photographers avoid midday for portraits for this reason. If you must shoot then:
- Move your subject into open shade, such as the side of a building or under a tree with even cover.
- Use a diffuser or reflector if you have one.
- Look for subjects that work in strong light, such as architecture, graphic shapes, or street scenes.
Overcast days
Clouds spread sunlight out and soften shadows, much like a giant softbox. This can make cloudy weather a good choice for portraits, flowers, and details at nearly any time of day. See our cloudy day photo ideas for subjects and tips.
Best time by subject
- Portraits and family photos: golden hour or open shade. For seasonal planning, see our fall family photo session ideas. Our guide to morning photos covers early-day options.
- Landscapes: golden hour and blue hour for color and depth; overcast for woodland and waterfalls.
- Indoor photos: depends on the direction of your windows. See the best time of day to take photos inside.
- Products and small objects: soft window light or shade, at a time when the light is steady. See top down product photography.
Is golden hour always the best time?
Not necessarily. Golden hour is popular because it is flattering and forgiving, but it is also short, can bring squinting if the sun is in your subject’s eyes, and may not suit every look. A bright, airy style may work better in even light, and some subjects look best in strong contrast. Choose by the result you want, and try shooting the same scene at different times to compare.
Rule of thumb questions
You may see photographers cite a “number one rule” of photography. There is no single official answer; common candidates are to pay attention to light, or to learn the basics so you can break them on purpose. The “20 60 20” idea also appears in discussions with varying meanings, and it is best treated as an informal guideline. For a broader foundation, see our guide to taking professional photos at home.