Every photographer knows the secret to stunning photos often lies in the timing. Ask any professional, and they’ll likely tell you the golden hours around sunrise and sunset are the holy grail for outdoor photography. This isn’t just a preference; it’s rooted in the quality of light. As a Boston-based photographer, I’ve learned to navigate the unpredictable New England weather, but one thing remains constant: chasing that perfect light. If you’re wondering, “What Time Does Sunset?” for your upcoming photoshoot, you’re in the right place.
For outdoor sessions, especially when the sun is expected to grace us with its presence, aiming for the hour before sunset is my standard recommendation. Reliable online tools like Google or Time and Date are invaluable for pinpointing the exact sunset time for your location. In the days leading up to your session, I always check in with my clients to fine-tune our start time based on the most up-to-date weather forecasts. Remember, these guidelines are primarily for outdoor shoots. For indoor photography, the optimal lighting window shifts to within two hours on either side of noon, adjusting slightly depending on the season and the direction of natural light.
Sunrise Session Example
Let’s break it down with an example. If sunrise is at 5:00 AM, to capture that soft morning light, we’d aim to start our Signature Session no later than 6:20 AM, concluding around 7:40 AM. This ensures we stay within that ideal two-hour window from sunrise. Starting later at 7:00 AM would push our end time beyond the optimal lighting conditions. It’s crucial to remember that weather plays a significant role; always refer to this guide for weather-dependent adjustments.
The Magic of Golden Hour Explained
Golden hour, often referred to as magic hour, isn’t just a romantic term; it’s a scientifically sound concept. The reason it’s considered the best time of day for photography boils down to the quality of light. During sunset and sunrise, the light is significantly softer and less harsh compared to the midday sun. This softer light is due to the sun’s angle relative to the earth. When the sun is low on the horizon, its rays travel through a greater portion of the Earth’s atmosphere.
This longer journey through the atmosphere filters out harsh blue light and scatters the remaining light more broadly, resulting in a warm, diffused glow. This diffused light minimizes harsh shadows and creates a more even and flattering illumination on your subjects. It’s much easier to balance this gentle light, leading to photographs with richer colors, softer contrasts, and an overall more pleasing aesthetic.
Conversely, the harshest light of the day occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM. During these hours, the sun is directly overhead, casting unflattering shadows downwards – under the eyes, nose, and chin. This overhead light tends to accentuate imperfections and create stark contrasts that are generally undesirable in portraits. Furthermore, bright midday sun often causes squinting, which is rarely a flattering look in photographs. Unless you’re aiming for a very specific, high-contrast style, midday sun is generally best avoided for portrait photography.
Navigating Light Throughout the Day: Beyond Sunset and Sunrise
The quality of light progressively diminishes as you move away from sunrise and sunset towards midday. A common question I encounter is, “Can’t we just shoot midway between these times?”. While compromise is possible, it’s essential to understand the trade-offs when it comes to lighting. Yes, we can schedule a photoshoot at 9 AM or 3 PM, but be aware that the light quality will be less ideal than during golden hour.
If we’re fortunate enough to have cloud cover, shooting outside of golden hour becomes more feasible. Clouds act as natural diffusers, softening the harsh sunlight and creating more even lighting. However, on a clear, cloudless day, shooting outside of golden hour often necessitates seeking shade to avoid harsh, direct sunlight. While shade can mitigate some of the issues, it can also lead to uneven lighting and limit the versatility of shooting locations.
While I always strive to accommodate client preferences, achieving the signature look I’m known for relies heavily on harnessing optimal lighting conditions. Trusting your photographer’s expertise regarding timing is crucial for achieving the best possible results and ensuring your photos have that coveted magical light.
Weather Apps: Your Photographer’s Secret Weapon
Predicting the weather is crucial for planning photoshoots, and thankfully, we have excellent tools at our disposal. My go-to weather apps are WeatherUnderground and Dark Sky. Having meticulously tracked weather patterns daily for over five years, I’ve come to rely on these apps for their accuracy and detail. If I had to recommend just one, Weather Underground/Wunderground would be my top pick. You can easily download these apps from the App Store.
To ensure the most reliable forecast, I often cross-reference information from multiple weather sources, including weather.com, to get a comprehensive overview. No single weather app is foolproof, so consulting several sources helps to paint a more accurate picture. If you have other weather apps you’ve found particularly helpful, I’m always open to recommendations!
Exceptions to the Rule: When Timing is Flexible
While golden hour is generally the gold standard, there are exceptions where we can be more flexible with timing. For instance, in urban environments with ample open shade and reflective surfaces like concrete and glass, we can often photograph successfully even closer to midday. The reflected light and shade mitigate some of the harshness of direct sunlight.
On the other end of the spectrum, locations like open beaches offer very little flexibility. With no natural shade, sunrise and sunset become even more critical for beach photoshoots to avoid harsh, unflattering light and squinting.
Addressing Practical Concerns: Naps, Feeds, and Cranky Babies
The “witching hour” for babies and toddlers often coincides with sunset, presenting a common challenge. While it’s understandable to be concerned about nap schedules and feeding times, consider this: children are often at their happiest and most cooperative in the early morning. It’s often the parents (and sometimes the photographer!) who need an extra coffee to get going before sunrise sessions.
I always reassure parents that the effort is worthwhile. Family photoshoots typically happen only a few times a year, or even just once for families with older children. The combination of beautiful golden light, a happier baby (or at least a recently-woken-up baby!), and the bonus of less crowded parks and easier parking makes sunrise or sunset sessions truly advantageous. Choosing the right time of day for photos is an investment in the final outcome.
If sunrise simply isn’t feasible, sunset remains the next best option. Sunset offers a warmer light compared to sunrise. While parks might be busier during sunset hours, the light is undeniably magical. I also adore photographing during dusk, after the sun has dipped below the horizon. Dusk light is soft, moody, and dramatic, perfect for engagement and maternity sessions. While it might be past bedtime for most little ones, the resulting images are often breathtaking.
Consider the images below – wouldn’t you agree that sunset truly is the best time for capturing stunning photographs?
Visual Comparison: Midday Sun vs. Golden Hour
This session was taken during harsh midday sun – far from ideal lighting conditions, and here’s why:
Even with a reflector to minimize shadows, notice the light spill on the father’s face. The flowers are also overexposed compared to the mother and daughter. While these photos are lovely, they don’t fully represent my brand’s signature soft, golden light aesthetic.
Alt text: Family portrait in Boston’s Arnold Arboretum during harsh mid-morning light, illustrating challenges of midday photography.
While the Arnold Arboretum is beautiful any time of day, optimal lighting is essential to maximize its beauty in photographs. While flash could overpower the sun, it’s often impractical with young children.
Now, compare the image below, taken at the same location but at a different time of day. The difference in light quality is immediately apparent. The light is warm, soft, and wraps gently around the family. The setting sun highlights their hair, and there are no harsh shadows on the father’s face. The exposure is balanced across the foreground and background, creating a harmonious image where the background complements, rather than competes with, the family.
Alt text: Golden hour family portrait at Arnold Arboretum, showcasing soft, warm light and flattering illumination during sunset.
Here are more examples to further illustrate the transformative effect of sunset light.
Alt text: Sunset family photo demonstrating the significant improvement in lighting compared to midday sun.
Alt text: Adorable baby boy portrait bathed in glorious sunset light at Arnold Arboretum, highlighting the joy of golden hour photography.
The warm, radiant glow of a setting sun is simply unmatched.
Capturing the Beauty of Sunset and Dusk: More Visual Examples
Boston sunsets can be truly spectacular, creating breathtaking skies. This family was particularly fortunate to experience one of those exceptional sunsets that occur only a few times a year. The sky ablaze with color towards the end of their session created a truly magical backdrop.
Even an ordinary suburban park is transformed into a stunning location with perfect sunset light.
Alt text: Smiling baby girl portrait during Boston family session at sunset, emphasizing the charming and delightful expressions captured in golden light.
Sunset family photos in Boston.
Alt text: Romantic sunset couple photo by a Boston lake, illustrating the serene and intimate atmosphere created by dusk lighting.
Final images from the session – the sunset is truly breathtaking.
Alt text: Parent-only sunset photo by Boston waterfront, capturing the peaceful and dramatic mood of dusk after a family photoshoot.
In Conclusion: Time Your Photoshoot for the Best Light
If you’re seeking the most flattering and beautiful light for your photographs, the answer is clear: aim for sunset or sunrise. While Boston weather can be unpredictable, and sunny days aren’t always guaranteed, understanding the principles of golden hour lighting is essential for stunning outdoor photography.
Stay tuned for an upcoming post discussing photography sessions in rainy or post-rainy conditions. I’ll add a link to that post here once it’s live. Remember that sunset and sunrise times fluctuate throughout the year. For families with early-sleeping babies, winter or early spring sessions can be a great strategy to capture that beautiful light before bedtime. To easily find “what time does sunset” for your specific date and location, simply use a quick Google search – it’s the best way to get a ballpark time for planning your perfect photoshoot.
Bella Wang is a Boston family and newborn photographer located in Davis Square. Renowned for her ability to connect with children and deliver exceptional final images, Bella is a sought-after choice for family photography. For more information or to book a session, please visit her website.
Alt text: Graphic illustrating “Best time of day to do photoshoot, family photography, engagement and wedding portraits.”, reinforcing the article’s central theme.
