What I’m Wearing
Dress: Rebecca Taylor // Similar: Nordstrom (Under $85) // Similar: Dorthy Perkins (Under $50) // Bag: Neely & Chloe
After taking photos multiple times a week for over four years now, I would like to think my husband and I have picked up a thing or two! Now I want to preface this post by saying that our photography skills have a long way to go. We have been using the same old camera throughout the years and have yet to upgrade. So that also tells you that all of the improvements we have made with our photography have been increasing our knowledge, practice, pushing ourselves to do the best we can with the camera we have. Hopefully one day, we will be able to make that investment and produce higher quality content.
Having never updated our technology, this reminded me of how much we have truly learned and grown throughout the process. And this can be a source of encouragement to you as well. Even if you can’t afford to have a fancy camera, or simply want to take better photos on your iPhone, you can improve simply by learning what times of day are best for shooting!
When Are the Best Times to Shoot?
Let’s first start when NOT to shoot. Sunlight can be your worst enemy when you are trying to get that perfect photo. Because of that, we try to avoid shooting ANYTIME in the middle of the day. That usually includes the times 11am-4pm. Now that can change depending on the season. But as the sun comes toward the center of the sky it can be SO HARD to get a picture. That being said, if you do have to shoot during those times, look for an area of shade to snap your pic.
The most ideal time of day is called “The Golden Hour.” This is the hour right before sunrise or sunset. And because this momma is not always so thrilled to shoot super early in the AM, it is usually the last 1-2 hours before sunset. We have done sunrise shoots on a few occasions when traveling, but this can be tricky. If you sleep in even a little, and you were looking to shoot in a specific location, you might just miss your opportunity if you arrive just too little too late.
When in Doubt Shade It Out
Overcast days are our personal favorite days to shoot. As those days usually open up our prime shooting window time. When the sun is behind a cloud and the weather is darker (but not too dark), you can usually get your shot almost anywhere without having to reserve your shoot locations to a confined area of shade. The day we took these photos it was both an overcast day and during the “golden hour.” They were actually taken just minutes before the sunset.
Did you like reading some of our photography tips? Let me know if you are interested in learning more because I can write more like this in the future!
Thanks so much for stopping by!