What Time of Day to Plan for Photos

Trying to determine what time to have your ceremony at,  hike to the top of the mountain, or just plan your photos for?

If you are not able to plan to have your photographer around for the entire day (which I definitely recommend, get the best of the whole day!), then here are some things to consider when choosing when to plan your photos. Your photographer will be able to give you the best insight for your personal experience as well.

Here’s some pros and cons for every time:

Sunrise and Sunset:

Almost every photographer will tell you that sunrise or sunset is the absolute best time for your photos. The way the light hits is just sublime, and matched with unparalleled scenery, honestly you wouldn’t be able to ask for better photos.

If you’re lucky, sunrise or sunset will grace you will gorgeous tones in the sky, pinks, oranges, reds, and every shade in between. But depending on where you want to be during sunrise, it may require a very early wake up(particularly in summer), or a very late hike down in the dark if you choose sunset. Hoping to be on top of a mountain for sunrise? Particularly in Canada, expect to be starting your hike around 2 am to summit the mountain for sunrise. If you aren’t an early morning person, perhaps consider sunset instead.

Even sunset may require hiking in the dark, depending when and where you choose to do your photos. In the summer, sunset isn’t often till late in the evening, and you may not get back till your starting point until midnight.

Depending on the activity you choose to do, consider your skill level and the hazards of travelling in the dark.

Another positive to sunrise is there are often no crowds, even at popular tourist areas. To get the most intimate setting, avoid places that generally draw crowds, or if you have your heart set on a specific place, go during the shoulder hours of sunrise or sunset. You won’t regret it.

Daylight:

Unless it’s cloudy, expect very harsh light during the day for your photos. A professional photographer will know how to work with harsh light for the best photos, but be sure to ask your photographer to see a gallery of harsh light photos if this is the route you choose to go, to ensure that you understand the look that you will be expecting for your own photos. While some people prefer this lighting, it is not always everyone’s preference.

Most people also tend to frequent high tourist areas during the day, which is when you will find the most crowds, especially in popular areas. If you want to elope at a popular destination, consider sunset or sunrise for the most intimacy.

If you are trying to schedule to have guests at your ceremony, often it is much easier to have guests during the daytime. Consider having your ceremony somewhere with shade if possible if doing it during the day, then take time for intimate photos later on.

Do you have other reasons that you would prefer one time over another for photos? Let me know in the comments!