What is the best time to take pictures outside
The Best Times to Take Outdoor Photos
By Ian Plant & filed under All Articles, Ian Plant, Landscape Photography Articles, Tips & Techniques Articles.
I’ve been a professional landscape, nature, and travel photographer for over ten years, and I often get asked the question: what are the best times of day for taking outdoor photographs? The answer, of course, depends in large part on what you are photographing. Outdoor photographers like myself spend weeks in the field hoping for incredible displays of natural light to fully bring their subjects to life. Understanding light, how it changes during the day, and how you can best use the light to your advantage are all critical aspects of successful outdoor photography.
A stunning sunrise paints the landscape red, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Canon 5DIII, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, 3-stop neutral density filter, ISO 100, f/11, 30 seconds.Sunrise and Sunset
The “magic hours” of sunrise and sunset are the most popular times of day for most outdoor photography. During these times, the sun is low on the horizon and filtered through atmospheric particles that scatter blue light and allow warm light (such as reds, oranges, and yellows) to pass through. When this warm light strikes clouds, landforms, and other objects, the results can be colorful and extremely photogenic. When the sun is near an unobstructed horizon, it gives off an intense light that bathes objects and scenes in red and gold.
I took this photo of a grazing springbok backlit in a field of grass just a few minutes before sunset. The light was warm and colorful, the result of clear, dry air without clouds or haze. Etosha National Park, Namibia. Canon 70D, Canon 200-400mm f/4 lens with built-in 1.4x extender, flash, ISO 400, f/8, 1/250 second.In the afternoon, the magic hour starts approximately 30-40 minutes before sunset. At this time, the light starts to get noticeably warmer, and deep shadows begin to form, which can add texture to landscape subjects.
If there are clouds in the sky, they might light up with color at sunset and for a few minutes after. A truly gorgeous sunset can last for several minutes after the sun has set; remember, the sun may have set from your perspective, but for clouds several miles high up in the sky, there’s still plenty of time to catch some light before the rotation of the Earth blocks the sunlight. In the early morning, everything is in reverse, with the magic hour beginning a few minutes before sunrise, extending until about 30-40 minutes after the sun has risen when the light begins to lose its warmth.
Interested in learning more? You might also like: Photographing Sunsets Tips and Techniques, Sunset Photography Tips, Tips on Shooting an Iconic Sunrise, Sunrise Photography Exposure, Capturing Sunrise
Twilight
The 30 to 40-minute period after the sun has set or before it rises is a magical time when reality blends with fantasy, called twilight.
Most of the light you see at twilight is blue, although a portion of the sky might be glowing warmly with the last remnant of sunset light or the first blush of sunrise. There’s not much light during twilight, and long exposures might be necessary to compensate; clouds, water, and wind-blown foliage will move during long exposures, creating impressionistic blurs in your photos. During twilight, the brightest part of the sky (usually where the sun has set or is rising) basically acts as a giant reflector, bouncing a soft “glow” onto the land, which sometimes can be quite colorful. Twilight can be great for landscape subjects, but I especially love twilight for photographing wildlife or travel subjects: I’ll often use a hint of artificial light to illuminate my subjects against a colorful twilight sky.
8 lens, flash, ISO 200, f/2.8, 1/100 second. Midday Light
Okay, so sunrise, sunset, and twilight seem to be great times for outdoor photography. What about the light during the middle of the day? Midday light is neutral, colorless, and harsh; for most outdoor photographers, non-magic hour sunlight is best avoided. But although normal daylight can be unflattering for most subjects, some outdoor subjects actually work best in midday light. One particular kind of landscape subject—slot canyons—are best photographed on bright, sunny days. But you don’t want direct sunlight: instead, the stunning colors and patterns of these narrow sandstone canyons are best revealed by reflected light.
Reflected light is easy to understand: when an object glows brightly enough, it will bounce that light onto other nearby objects. It is reflected light, bouncing down into the dark interiors of deep sandstone slot canyons, that give them their famous colorful glow. The effect is typically strongest during the middle of the day when the sun is high and bright, bouncing light from sunlit rock at the top of the canyon onto the rock in shadow below.
This reflected light can be surprisingly intense and colorful, creating a photogenic medley of red, orange, and purple.
Interested in learning more? You might also like: Midday Photography Light, Photography Outdoor Lighting Tips for Mid-Day Light, Shooting Creatively in Mid-Day Light
Overcast
The soft, colorless light that results from overcast conditions is well suited for waterfalls and streams, some wildlife subjects, and forest scenes. Overcast light usually works best with subjects having a lot of native color; for example, the colors of a spring or autumn forest are best revealed by overcast light. Overcast light is also well suited to waterfall and stream photos, as it reduces the incidence of unattractive glare and hot spots. With overcast light, you can pretty much shoot all day outdoors.
Mix it up!
Of course, there’s no reason that you have to photograph your outdoor subjects at the “right” time. I love experimenting with shooting my subjects at the “wrong” time, sometimes with stunning results. You should always be looking to push the creative envelope and strive to show your subjects (pardon the pun) in a new light.
I made this photo while backpacking in the highlands of Canaima National Park in Venezuela, two hours after sunrise. Although the light wasn’t very colorful, the parting mist softened the light, making it perfect for this mysterious landscape. Canon 70D, Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 lens, ISO 100, f/10, 1/100 second.Conclusion
There really isn’t any “best” time for outdoor photography. Rather, the best time depends on what you are shooting and what you hope to accomplish artistically.
That said, sunrise, sunset, and twilight will likely be your best times for making great outdoor photos—but give other times of day a try as well. Don’t expect to be getting a lot of sleep!
If you want to learn more, check out my ebook Chasing the Light: Essential Tips for Taking Great Photos.
About the author: Whether hanging over the rim of an active volcano, braving the elements to photograph critically-endangered species, or trekking deep into the wilderness to places most people will never see, world-renowned professional photographer Ian Plant travels the globe seeking out amazing places and subjects in his never-ending quest to capture the beauty of our world with his camera. Ian is a frequent contributor to many leading photo magazines, Managing Editor of Outdoor Photography Guide, a Tamron Image Master, and the author of numerous books and instructional videos. Known for his inspiring images and single-minded dedication to creating the perfect photo, Ian has reached hundreds of thousands of people around the world in his mission to inspire and educate others in the art of photography.
You can see more of his work at www.ianplant.com.
Have something to add to the story? Leave a comment or email [email protected].
Tags: best time, best time to take photos, best times to take outdoor photos, overcast, photo timing, photography timing, photography tips, sunrise, sunset, take outdoor photos, timing, twilight
Best and Worst Time of Day to take Outside People Pictures in the Summer — Landen Ohio Portrait Photographer
/ L. David Likes Photography/ L. David LikesFor outside pictures the direction of the light at the time of day you take them determines how good the pictures will turn out. Of course the weather conditions will also be a factor. People like lots of sunshine but there is a problem.
Direct overhead sun creates what is none as raccoon eyes when photographing people!
WORST TIME OF DAY! Photo Taken just before Noon with direct overhead sun causes Raccoon Eyes shown here with this selfie picture of me.
Stay many hours away from High Noon when taking people pictures outside on a sunny day!
In addition to the dark eye shadows, the shiny spot on my head from the direct sunlight does not look good. Also people tend to squint when the sun is in front of them.
The longest day of the year is June 21st. Today is July 2nd, and Sunrise is at 6:12 AM and Sunset is at 9:07 PM. Some photographers like taking pictures at the golden hour times. Today the golden hours are 6:12-7:15 AM and again at 8:04-9:07 PM. Photographers that use only natural light like to stay closer to these times.
For myself, I use light modifiers, which allow me to not have to do pictures so early or late which is a benefit to my clients.
Here is my personal recommendation:
Best times for this time of year are around 9 AM and 7PM to begin taking people photos
Use the West side of the house for 9 AM Portraits and The East Side for 7 PM Portraits
The location determines which time to use?
Having the sun low in the sky and behind my subjects as I photograph them is best done early in the morning or late in the evening. And this also determines the location. In the example diagram above, the time of day determines whether I'd use the East or West side of the house for a backdrop. For 9 AM Portraits I stand people on the West side of the house. This keeps the sun behind them. And for 7 PM Portraits I stand people on the East side of the house.
I like to do a "GO SEE" before deciding on the location and time
I typically do a "GO SEE" before deciding on a good location for photos. As I can then determine where the sun will be and how the background will look.
It does not matter if a house, field, or wooded area are used for a backdrop, the concept is still the same.
Click here to see a short slideshow on how best to take portraits in bright sun.
Note: The Best Times for taking Outside Photographs change with the Seasons. Mostly the Evening time changes to an earlier time. October 1 it changes to 6 PM and November 1 it changes to 5:30 PM (4:30 PM after Daylight Savings time kicks in). And on December 1 the Best time becomes 4 PM.
Author: L. David Likes
Outdoor photo shoot on a sunny day: camera settings, lighting schemes and life hacks | Articles | Photo, video, optics
Photo: pxhere.com
A clear summer afternoon seems like the perfect time to shoot outdoors. However, the bright sun does not always favor good portrait shots, and sometimes even the opposite: you may encounter various problems, but they are all completely solvable.
In this article, we will discuss a few important points to make your shoot a success.
4 Difficulties of shooting in bright sunlight
1. When there is a lot of light around, it is easy to overexpose the picture - you need to monitor the exposure and choose the right camera settings.
2. When shooting in bright midday sun, when it is directly overhead, your subject may get some pretty harsh shadows on her face. This is also affected by its location.
3. If you yourself have ever posed for a photo on a sunny day, you know how difficult it is sometimes to look natural and not squint. nine0003
4. Any kind of outdoor shooting comes with additional tasks: you need to choose the right location, protect equipment, etc.
Now let's discuss how to deal with all this.
Camera settings
Top tip: don't overexpose photo - make sure you don't lose detail in the bright parts of the frame, and overall it shouldn't be too overexposed.
- Start with the lowest ISO setting, such as ISO 100. The lower the ISO, the less sensitive the camera is to light and the less digital noise will appear in the picture. nine0027 - Try to stop the aperture of the lens a little (set a larger f-number). Of course, the background will not be as blurry as when shooting at maximum aperture. But you did not go out into nature to blur everything around beyond recognition? In addition, the distance between the background and the model in this case is usually quite large, which in itself makes the background fuzzy. We will not give an exact figure for this parameter: it all depends on external conditions and your own artistic vision. nine0003
The further the aperture is opened, the more the background is blurred. Photo credit: wallpaperflare.com
- Reduce your shutter speed. The shorter the shutter speed, the less light hits the matrix, and on a sunny day it is its overabundance that becomes your main enemy.
Also, the more you open your aperture, the faster your shutter speeds need to be. On a bright sunny day, it is quite possible to reach a shutter speed of 1/2500 second.
ND filters will also help to avoid overexposure. On a sunny day, thanks to them, you will get more even lighting without obvious overexposure. RayLab ND2-400 Variable ND Filters allow you to independently control the amount of light passing through the lens, depending on the external conditions and your ideas. Other methods will help not to overexpose the portrait: use histograms, light meter, etc.
How to position the model
General rule - do not position the model facing the sun. First, the model will squint. Secondly, deep shadows will appear under the nose and chin.
If we position the model sideways to the sun, then we will also get several problems at once: the eyes will be partially in deep shadow, as well as half of the face. And a long shadow from the nose is not suitable for every model :)
A more advantageous option is to position the model with its back to the sun.
The face will be lit evenly, and the backlight will emphasize the silhouette of the figure. The problems with this method are loss of contrast and iridescent highlights, and the sun can enter the frame, interfering with focusing. A lens hood and a correctly set exposure will help to solve them, you can also use a flash. nine0003
The sun may be directly behind the model or slightly to the side. Illustration by the author
The next way: the model is sideways to the sun, while we highlight her face from the other side using a reflector or remote flash.
Reflector or flash on the side to fill in shadows on the face. Illustration by the author
And finally, the third winning position - the model is in the shade.
Best time to shoot
Sometimes it's better to wait an hour or two in the afternoon for the sun to move a little to get more even side lighting. nine0003
Many models look their best when the light falls a little from the side.
That is why the moment shortly after sunrise and before sunset (“golden hour”) is the best time to take pictures. Most importantly, keep an eye on the white balance!
But taking pictures "by the clock" is not always convenient. The bright sun should not interfere with the intended plans, so we will tell you how to soften the shadows when shooting on a sunny day.
How to Soften Shadows
Flash
Of course, it may seem strange to turn on the flash in bright sunlight, but this is an effective way to deal with harsh shadows. nine0003
You can use both the built-in (if you are quite close to the model), and on-camera flash on the hot shoe, and remote. This flash is best placed slightly to the side of the model, for this you will need an additional stand. Many cameras allow you to control the intensity of the flash using the flash compensation function, so don't stop at the first shot: increase or decrease the flash output after the first test shot until you get the correct exposure.
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In addition, the flash will help create beautiful highlights in the model's eyes, adding zest to the portrait.
Reflector
The idea here is similar to using a flash, but to fill in the shadows we bounce light directly from the sun.
It is better to fix the reflector on the side of the model on the stand (if you have an assistant, you can do without it), and the sun will shine from the other side, while the shadow reflector on the face on the opposite side.
The 80cm Raylab RF-05 5-in-1 Reflector is a fairly versatile option for location shooting. It folds into a compact carrying case, and with handles, this reflector is easy to hold while shooting. nine0003
5-in-1 reflector helps you choose the right shade for your portrait. Photo: fotogora.ru
But, of course, it is not always possible to take a reflector and stands with you, so you can use natural sources of reflection or improvised means.
Almost any white or light surface (white T-shirt, piece of paper, field of white flowers, white wall) can act as a reflector if placed at the right angle.
Shade
Finally, you can shoot in the shade. It is important that the place is not too dark and the shadow is not too harsh. Also avoid "dappled" light under trees with a loose canopy. You need to find a slightly shaded area with soft, even lighting. nine0003
Even a large wide-brimmed hat can help create a suitable shadow, but here you need to pay attention to the overall exposure of the frame. If you want to take a headshot (photo portrait above the chest), you can ask the model to hold an umbrella or any other object that creates a shadow on the face.
Protecting your equipment
Any kind of outdoor photography comes with a potential hazard to your camera equipment. Therefore, it is useful to take care of its safety in advance.
For photographic equipment, it is better to choose a convenient bag or backpack. nine0003
UV filters are suitable for the lens: they will protect the front element from dust and moisture. At the same time, due to the high degree of light transmission and the absence of distortion in color reproduction, such a filter can be used without removing it, and other filters, such as ND filters, can be installed with it.
In addition, UV filters such as RayLab UV Slim absorb ultraviolet radiation.
A bright sunny day is a great time for bright positive portraits. Photo: pxhere.com
If you're using a tripod, it's best to bring a sturdy one that won't fall off in gusts of wind. For example, the Raylab Pro 70 is equipped with anti-slip pads at the base of the legs and an integrated metal hook for extra weight. nine0003
By the way, windy weather can play into your hands, especially if your model has long hair. The wind makes the shots more airy, and additional dynamics will appear in the frame.
Photographer's checklist: how to shoot in bright sunlight
- Choose the right time for your photo session: avoid the midday sun, or generally shift the shooting to the "golden hour".
- Don't position your model directly in front of the sun or you'll have to deal with harsh shadows on her face. nine0113
- The sun behind the model will give an interesting backlight, and if it is from the side, you can add an additional light source - from a flash or a reflector.
- Easy: find a shade and shoot there in soft, even light.
- In order not to overexpose the picture, set the minimum ISO value and minimum shutter speed in the settings. You can stop the aperture, but this decision will depend on how blurry the background you want to get.
- Whenever you go out into the countryside, don't forget to protect your equipment - a photo backpack, UV filters and windproof tripods will help you avoid excesses and save on expensive repairs. nine0113
Picking a time for an outdoor portrait
Photograph: Christopher Mowers
When planning a portrait session, I'm often asked when is the best time? Some have heard to photograph during sunrise or sunset, others have heard that cloudy days are best, and still others have heard something completely different.
The best time of day for portrait photography is a couple of hours after sunrise and a couple of hours before sunset. During this time, it is best to shoot after the morning golden hour or before the evening.
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What is golden hour?
Golden hour is the time of day when the sun is low on the horizon. It happens twice a day, at sunrise and sunset. Despite the name, this period can last longer than an hour. It all depends on the location and time of year. Due to the fact that the sun is low, the shadows become softer, and their angle and length are more pleasing to the eye. Also, as the name implies, warm colors prevail at this time, which makes portraits look much better. nine0003
Why is the best time not the golden hour itself?
Golden hour is a great time to shoot portraits, but there are several reasons why it's best to focus on just after morning golden hour or just before evening golden hour.
- Golden hour is a period of incredibly wide dynamic range: When the sun is high in the sky, there is usually not much difference between the brightest and darkest areas (narrow dynamic range). As soon as the sun goes down closer to the horizon, everything changes.
This phenomenon is one of the reasons photographers love golden hour so much. The problem is that it is difficult for cameras to cope with such a variety of tones. Some of them do a lot better than previous generations, but no camera has yet reached the capabilities of the human eye. If you choose a time when the sun is a little higher, soft shadows will remain, and there will be less problems with dynamic range. nine0027 - Harder to get fill light: When the light source is low enough, everything looks more directional. There is less light around that could bounce off objects and fill in the shadows on the face. This can be compensated for with a reflector, but it's easier when the sun is slightly higher. Also, do not underestimate the possible effect of a low-hanging sun on the model. If the sun is close to the horizon, the model should try not to squint when the sun enters her or his field of view. nine0027
- During the golden hour, the light changes rapidly: The golden hour is a fleeting moment and ever-changing light.
This is especially critical for portrait photography. If you're working during the golden hour, you need to constantly adjust the camera settings, which can completely forget about the artistic part. A time when the sun is slightly higher provides pleasant but more consistent and predictable light.
- Time may be too early or too late: This is not always a problem, but the golden hour is early in the morning and late in the evening, especially in the summer. There is a chance that the client will not be able to get up at 5:30 in the morning for a photo for a graduation portrait. Also during this time, it may be difficult to access certain places where you want to shoot.
- Colors can be too bright: Colors during golden hour are beautiful, but they can be distracting. In portrait photography, your task is to focus on the person or group of people who are the main subject in the frame. A crazy, explosive sunset in the background is not always the right choice.
Of course, we need a nice color and an interesting sky background, but if the sunset itself is more interesting than the subject, that's a problem. nine0027 - You may miss: As I mentioned above, the golden hour is usually very short. If you delay, you will miss your chance. If you can still shoot in the morning, you will have to go home in the evening.
Time after morning golden hour or before evening golden hour
Select time after morning golden hour or before evening golden hour. A time that approximates the golden hour will provide a similar effect, but without the above problems. nine0003
This period provides the best combination of soft, directional light and reflected ambient light. You will get warm but not distracting lighting. The dynamic range of the frame will be slightly less, so the camera will be able to better capture all the highlights and shadows, and the sun will not shine into the eyes of the model.
The view obtained under such conditions is very similar to the golden hour.
The sun is still quite low on the horizon, the light is soft but more stable, making it easier to take a picture. nine0003
Another advantage of working during this time is that, depending on the desired result, the golden hour can be included in the shooting session. You can start early by taking basic photos and then, as the sun sets lower, allow yourself to get a little creative.
How to calculate the right time to shoot
Using apps or websites that show sunrise and sunset times and golden hour start and end time is the best option if you need to know the time. Here are some good options:
- Photopills
- The Photographer's Ephemeris
- golden-hour.com
If you only know the time of sunrise and sunset, which you can easily find out from Siri, Alexa or any other virtual assistant, you can safely assume that the hour after sunrise and about an hour before sunset will be golden. Based on this information, you can estimate the shooting time.
Incidentally, the Amazon Echo has a feature that can tell you the golden hour. If you have this gadget, be sure to try it out. nine0003
How to work at this time
This may seem like a strange question, since we use the sun every day for photography, but when working with portraits, it is important to consider exactly how you will use such a light source as the sun. There are several options that can help when shooting.
- Backlight: This is my favorite way to shoot at this time. Place the model between the camera and the sun. You can play around with the angle so that the sun is directly behind the model or positioned behind the back, but still in the frame. As a result, you will get a completely different effect. This approach emphasizes the contours a lot, so make sure that messy hair and other potential distractions are under control. An important technical detail of this arrangement is that you need to expose, focusing on the model, and not on the background.
Spot metering will help with this. Most likely, in such a situation, the background will turn white. If you don't want this, use a reflector to bounce some of the light onto the model. This will reduce the difference between subject and background. nine0027 - Sun as key light: Positioning the sun behind you or to your side can also work in some situations. In this situation, any place you would put the key light (directly above the camera, at a 45 degree angle, or even more extreme angle) will do. Chances are the sun will be low enough to still end up with a relatively soft light. You may need a reflector to soften shadows on your face. I prefer to place the sun at a more aggressive angle, like 60 degrees to one side, and fill in the shadows with a reflector. Keep in mind that a larger angle will accentuate potentially unattractive facial features, so use this approach with caution. Also pay attention to the intensity of the light. If the sun shines too brightly, the model will have to make an effort not to squint.
This method doesn't always work. nine0027 - The sun is not visible: Another option is to hide the sun behind something, such as a tree. Of course, you can shoot in the shade at any time of the day (more on that later), but by placing the sun behind an object, you can get radiance and diffused light coming from that object. I like to make the sun behind a big tree and then put the model in front of it. There are no problems with shadows, since the sun is not visible, but this creates interesting lighting. nine0113
What if I need to shoot at noon?
Photographing portraits in the daytime is difficult, but don't believe those who say it's impossible. You just need to consider the limitations of this type of lighting and find ways to work within them. Here are three little tips for midday photography.
- Find the shadow: If the transition from light to shadow is abrupt and unpleasant, the easiest solution is to find a completely shaded area.
It is worth considering this limitation when choosing a location for shooting. My favorite sources of shade are big trees, buildings and park pavilions. When positioned near a tree, make sure you are in solid shade. If the leaf cover isn't thick enough, you'll end up with a patchy mess of light and shadow, so be careful. If there is no shadow, you can always create one. When shooting at close range, it is enough to use a reflector to block the sun. For larger shooting, you can buy or make some kind of special tent for photography or put large diffusing panels. Surely you can find some kind of translucent tear-resistant nylon placed in a frame. In extreme cases, buy the necessary materials and do it yourself! nine0027 - Add a fill light: At noon we are surrounded by harsh shadows and most of all they are visible on the subject. To get rid of the biggest problem, use a reflector or fill light flash if you have one.
- Post-processing: Editing photos in a program like Lightroom can help get rid of distracting harsh shadows.
Even if you're working in a less-than-ideal situation, you can always emphasize shadows, reduce highlights, reduce local contrast, and use tools like a brush or a radial filter to bring attention to the main details of the photo. nine0113
Is there still a good time to shoot?
Of course there is! Here are some good options:
- Cloudy weather: On such days, the sun has a giant softbox! When it's cloudy outside, shade is literally everywhere and you can shoot at any time of the day. Keep in mind that when the sky is monotonous, the photo will also look monotonous, so try not to include a lot of sky in the frame if there is nothing attractive in it. It is also worth considering that the light will have a bluish tint, which is not very good for portrait lighting. However, this shortcoming can be corrected during post-processing. nine0027
- City at night: Modern cameras are good enough to be able to photograph portraits without using a flash if there are extraneous light sources at night.
I understand that this is not "natural light" in its strict sense, but it is the light that can be achieved without the use of a flash. Try taking a portrait under a street lamp or near a theater sign. Such photos are unique and attractive.
nine0113 - Near any large window: When the sun is high above the horizon, go indoors and try to take some photos near a large window. Light from windows is great as it is usually soft and even. You get the brightness of midday light without harsh shadows. Consider using a reflector to keep the shadows on the model's face smooth.
Happy shooting!
I hope you found this article helpful in finding the best time to shoot outdoor portraits. Tell us in the comments what time of day you prefer to take pictures and if you have any favorite techniques! nine0003
Author: Christopher Mowers
07/04/2018 Views : 55915 Source: improvephotography.com Translation: Alexey Shapoval
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