Best time of day for pictures

[Exposures]

I have been asked to photograph a baby outside. I have never done a pay job before so I am extremely nervous! I want these pictures to be perfect. What is the best time of day to take these pictures? Does anyone have any tips, tricks, ideas, suggestions, etc...he is less than a year and she wants them outside (even though it is cold!)

[jim greer]

I've read somewhere can't remember where. The magic hours for photograph's out-doors. One hour after sun-rise & one hour before sunset. Is the best lighting of the day for photograph's. Don't hold this to me know. Wait for another reply to back me up. Since it's a paid job.

[Benji]

The reason early morning or late afternoon is usually mentioned as being best for outdoors is because there will be no harsh sunshine at those times. If you can get into some shade you can shoot at noon.

Benji

[Nocojoe]

Originally Posted by jim greer

I've read somewhere can't remember where. The magic hours for photograph's out-doors. One hour after sun-rise & one hour before sunset. Is the best lighting of the day for photograph's. Don't hold this to me know. Wait for another reply to back me up. Since it's a paid job.

+1

When there is more sun in the sky there is more of a chance for harsh shadows, or washed out colors. This is working under the assumption that you are going to shoot in natural light.

[Skyyton]

The very best time is one half hour before and after sunset and sunrise. An hour before sunset will still be good as will an hour after sunrise. Many photographers start packing their gear at sunset when they have another 30 minutes of excellent light.

[hugheser]

It has already been said but the best light is right around sunrise and sunset. But if this is a paid gig, those times are somewhat limiting. If you are shooting at those times, you need to be ready to go. That means get all your gear ready and lights setup early. If you don't, it will be a stressful 45 minutes or so.

Shooting during the middle of the day isn't bad as long as you can find some shade and have enough light to balance out the sun. If you don't have shade, hang some white sheets to diffuse the sun a bit. Reflectors can be a huge help as well.

If you are worried about it, have a friend come out and help you test it all ahead of time.

Good luck.

[Sterling]

And of course it depends on what latitude you are located at. Where I am, at the end of December we have only 6+ hours of daylight. As a consequence, the sunlight is at a shallow, side angle all day long with it warming up around sunrise and sunset. In summer the sun is up for 18 hours so there is a lot more of the day with the dreaded over head light.