Painting with Light: Choosing the Best Time for Your Portraits

To quote one of my most memorable professors from Ithaca College, Gossa Tsegaye, “You need to paint with the light!” The word photography itself comes from the Greek words photos (light) and graphe (writing), which together means “drawing with light.” While some of my classmates thought this phrase was a bit eccentric (since the root of the word was not explained to us), I have found it to be the core of great photography. The light and the time of day can make or break the mood and beauty of your photographs.

Whether you are planning a portrait session or documenting your wedding day, understanding how lighting changes throughout the day can help you make the most of your special moments. Here is a breakdown of lighting at different times of the day and how it can affect the mood, feel, and overall aesthetic of your photos.

Sunrise: A Dreamy Start to the Day

The light at sunrise is soft, warm, and golden, creating a romantic glow and long, textured shadows. It’s perfect for capturing gentle and flattering portraits with a sense of calm and fresh beginnings.

• Feelings: Calm, peaceful, romantic, and fresh – perfect for starting something new.
• Best Locations: Open fields, beaches, hilltops, or urban rooftops with clear views of the horizon.

Mid-day: Bold and Vibrant

When the sun is directly overhead, the light is bright and harsh, casting strong shadows. While this time can be challenging for soft portraits, it works well for bold, dramatic shots with vibrant colors.

• Feelings: Bold, intense, and vibrant – ideal for dynamic, dramatic photography.
• Best Locations: Urban areas with interesting architecture for striking shadows, or shaded spots like under trees, arches, or indoors near large windows.

Afternoon: Balanced and Relaxed

In the afternoon, the light starts to soften as the sun lowers. Shadows become longer, creating depth and warmth without being as harsh as midday light.

• Feelings: Balanced, relaxed, and natural – great for candid, storytelling moments.
• Best Locations: Forest paths, open parks, or areas with scattered light filtering through trees.

Golden Hour: The Magic of Sunset

Just like at sunrise, the golden hour at sunset offers warm, golden light with long, dramatic shadows. This time is one of the most sought-after for its flattering portrait light and cinematic quality, perfect for capturing romance and nostalgia.

• Feelings: Romantic, warm, and magical – evokes connection and timeless beauty.
• Best Locations: Beachfronts, mountain ridges, vineyards, or urban streets with reflective surfaces.

Blue Hour: Mysterious and Dreamy

After the sun dips below the horizon, the sky takes on cool tones of blue and purple. This subtle light is ideal for moody, cinematic portraits or silhouettes.

• Feelings: Dreamy, mysterious, and serene – perfect for creating a dramatic vibe.
• Best Locations: Lakesides, cityscapes with twinkling lights, or open fields with the cool sky as a backdrop.

Night: Bold and Creative

While natural light is gone at night, artificial light sources like streetlights, candles, or flashes create opportunities for bold and edgy compositions. Night portraits are especially impactful for proposals, events, or branding sessions.

• Feelings: Dramatic, intimate, and creative – ideal for unique and artistic shots.
• Best Locations: Urban areas with neon signs, cozy cafés, or wide-open spaces showcasing the stars.

Overcast Days: Nature’s Softbox

Cloudy skies create soft, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows. This lighting is flattering and versatile, making it perfect for portraits at any location.

• Feelings: Soft, calm, and intimate – great for natural and timeless photography.
• Best Locations: Anywhere. Also, with the right techniques, you can even mimic Golden Hour portrait lighting during overcast conditions for a warm and dreamy look.
  

The Seasons and Their Influence on Light

New York State’s changing seasons offer unique lighting conditions that add to the character of your photos. That being said, they do not make nearly as much of a difference as the time of the day:

Spring

• Lighting: Soft and fresh, with cooler tones in early spring warming up later in the season.
• Feelings: Renewed, hopeful, and lighthearted.
• Best Locations: Blooming gardens (like the New York Botanical Garden), parks, or streets with vibrant spring flowers.
  

Summer

• Lighting: Bright and vibrant, with warmer golden hours.
• Feelings: Joyful, energetic, and carefree.
• Best Locations: Beaches, lakesides, shaded parks, and urban rooftops during golden hour.
  

Fall

• Lighting: Warm, golden light with dramatic shadows as days shorten.
• Feelings: Cozy, nostalgic, and romantic.
• Best Locations: Scenic trails with fall foliage, orchards, vineyards, or rustic urban settings.
  

Winter

• Lighting: Crisp, cool, and often diffused by snow or clouds. Also, has longer lasting golden hours and the softest light. 
• Feelings: Serene, dramatic, and contemplative.
• Best Locations: Snow-covered landscapes, holiday-lit streets, frozen lakes, or indoor spaces with natural window light.
  

Choosing the Right Light for Your Session

Every time of day and season brings unique opportunities to craft stunning portraits that reflect the essence of your story. Whether you’re drawn to the warm glow of golden hour, the soft calm of an overcast day, or the dramatic mood of blue hour, I’ll work with you to create timeless images that you’ll treasure forever. Let’s paint with the light together and make your moments unforgettable.