Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and capturing every moment in timeless photographs is essential to preserving those memories especially your wedding portraits. Among the many decisions you’ll make, choosing the right time of day for your wedding portraits is crucial for achieving stunning results. While every couple and location is unique, certain times of day typically offer the best lighting conditions for capturing breathtaking wedding portraits.
GOLDEN HOUR MAGIC
One of the most coveted times for wedding portraits is during what photographers affectionately call the “golden hour.” This is the period shortly after sunrise or about an hour before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over everything it touches. The soft, diffused light during these times creates a flattering and romantic atmosphere, perfect for capturing intimate moments between you and your partner. This is especially true during July, August, September, and early October. Those hazy days of summer make for some really beautiful images.
SPECTACULAR SUNSETS
If you’re having an evening wedding, planning your portrait session during the hour leading up to sunset can produce breathtaking images. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky becomes awash with a stunning array of colors; pinks, oranges and lavendar, providing a dramatic backdrop for your photos. The warm, golden light of the setting sun adds a romantic glow to your portraits, creating an enchanting atmosphere perfect for capturing the love and emotion of your special day.
MIDDAY CHALLENGES
While the golden hour is often ideal for wedding portraits, scheduling constraints or other factors may necessitate shooting during other times of the day. Midday sunlight, however, can be harsh and unflattering, casting harsh shadows and causing squinting. Hiring a good photographer, with plenty of experience working with our light here in the Northeast, is crucial. If you shoot during this time, your photographer should look for shaded areas, utilizing the beautiful light at the edge, or find creative ways to use bright beautiful sun. A good photographer with skill and expertiese will not clip your highlights – meaning your dress will show detail, the sky won’t be blown out, and the photo won’t be over-exposed.
CONSIDER YOUR WEDDING VENUE
When deciding on the best time for your wedding portraits, consider the specific characteristics of your venue. Your photographer, if familiar with your wedding venue, should be able to come up with creative places for your portraits. If you have a picturesque outdoor location with sweeping vistas or lush gardens, the golden hour may be the perfect time to showcase its beauty. On the other hand, if your venue offers stunning indoor architecture or unique lighting features, you may have more flexibility in scheduling your portrait session.
CONSULT WITH YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ultimately, the best time of day for your wedding portraits will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, the location of your venue, and the expertise of your photographer. As professionals, photographers have valuable insights into lighting conditions and can help you choose the optimal time for your portrait session. Don’t hesitate to consult with your photographer to ensure that you capture the most beautiful and memorable images of your wedding day.
The best time of day for wedding portraits is often during the golden hour, when the soft, golden light creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Choosing the right time for your portraits is essential for capturing the love and emotion of your wedding day. With careful planning and the guidance of your photographer, you can create timeless images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
WHY CHOOSE DIANE STREDICKE | HUDSON RIVER TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR WEDDING?
I have been photographing weddings in the Hudson Valley and New York region for over 15 years. The majority of my weddings take place from May through November; with a few winter weddings in between. As those of us living in the Northeast know, our sunshine depending on the time of year, isn’t like California. In the Spring and Winter the sun can be bright, blue and harsh. Summer day sun lingers into the late evening with pastels. I have photographed it all. Midday portraits to dusk. I know how to work with light, where it will be best, and how you will look your best in great light. I can create dramatic images using sunlight. I shoot to preserve the highlights, and my style is definitely not light and airy (read blown highlights!).
Finding the Perfect Light
