The short answer
For outdoor photos, the hour or so after sunrise and before sunset, known as golden hour, is commonly recommended because the light is lower, warmer and more directional. Overcast days can be good at any time because clouds soften the light. Midday sun is usually the hardest to work with, though not impossible.
The best time also depends on what you are photographing and what look you want.
Golden hour
Golden hour is the period after sunrise and before sunset. Light is low-angle and warm, shadows are longer, and contrast is gentler than at noon. Its duration varies with your location and the season. Our golden hour portrait guide covers it in detail.
Blue hour
Blue hour is the period shortly before sunrise and after sunset when the sky turns deep blue and the light is dim and cool. It suits cityscapes, lit windows and moody portraits (our complete guide to night photography covers the settings), but you will need a high enough ISO, wide aperture or tripod. The length depends on location and season.
Midday
Around the middle of the day, the sun is high and light falls from above. In portraits that can mean shadows under the eyes and nose and squinting. Options include:
- Move to open shade, such as a building’s shadow, with the subject facing open sky.
- Use a diffuser between the sun and the subject.
- Choose subjects that handle contrast well, such as architecture or street scenes.
- Use a reflector to fill shadows.
So is 2pm a good time to take photos? It can be, if you control the light with shade or diffusion. Without that, it is often harder than late afternoon.
Overcast and cloudy times
On a cloudy day, the clouds act as a large diffuser, so you can shoot at times that would otherwise be harsh. See overcast and cloudy day photography.
What about the “20/60/20 rule”?
You may see “20/60/20” mentioned in photography discussions. It is not a standardized rule, and sources describe it differently. One version splits the day into the best light early, a poorer middle, and good light late, suggesting you spend about 20 percent of your effort at each end of the day. Treat it as a loose guide, not something to depend on.
How to find golden hour in your location
- Use a weather app or search for sunrise and sunset for your date and place.
- Planning apps such as PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris show sun position and light times.
- Arrive early, since the light changes quickly.
- Check the weather forecast for cloud cover, which can change the look.
Best time of day to take photos inside
Indoor natural light depends on windows, so the best time depends on which way they face and the weather.
- Window direction. In the northern hemisphere, a window facing north tends to give steady, soft light, while south-facing windows get stronger direct sun at midday. East-facing windows get sun in the morning, west-facing in the afternoon. In the southern hemisphere, north and south are reversed.
- Time of day. Direct sun streaming in can be pleasing or too harsh. Sheer curtains can diffuse it.
- Weather. A bright overcast day gives even window light.
- Lamps. Turn them off if they mix colors with daylight.
- Tips. Open blinds and curtains, use light surfaces, and consider a white card to bounce light back. The natural light portrait guide explains window light placement, and indoor lighting for photography covers rooms without good windows.
A common approach is to look at the room at different times of day and note when the light looks best, then book the shoot for that window.
Timing by subject
| Subject | Often-used times |
|---|---|
| Portraits outdoors | Golden hour, open shade, overcast |
| Landscapes | Golden hour and blue hour, see lighting in landscape photography |
| Beach | Early or late, see beach portrait tips |
| Indoors | When the window light is soft |
| Cityscapes | Blue hour and night |
Frequently asked questions
How long does golden hour last?
It varies with season and latitude, commonly somewhere around half an hour to an hour or more. A planning app gives specific times.
What is the number one rule of photography?
There is no official one. Many people point to paying attention to light.
Is 2pm a good time to take photos?
It can be difficult outdoors because of hard light. Use shade, diffusion or an overcast day.
How do I find golden hour?
Look up sunrise and sunset for your location and plan to start before the light peaks.