Why Timing & Weather Play A Crucial Part In Your Photoshoot

The Three Main Components

There are so many things that I think play a big role in the end product of your session, but there are three major things that make the biggest impact on the outcome of your portraits.

• Time of Day
• Season
• Weather

When Choosing your session date, it is important to consider all three of these. I suggest looking through your Photographer’s portfolio thoroughly to see which season you prefer the most when it comes to their editing. This is not to say that a skilled photographer can’t make any time of day, season and weather look gorgeous, because you certainly can. But, all of these things can change the appearance of your images’s colors & the feel of the images.

Time Of Day

In my opinion, the BIGGEST component on how your photos will turn out is the time of day your session takes place. The time of day can significantly impact the quality and mood of your photos. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lighting: The lighting during different times of the day can vary, which can dramatically affect the quality of your photos. For example, during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset), the lighting is soft and warm, which can create a beautiful and flattering effect in your photos. In contrast, during midday when the sun is high in the sky, the light can be harsh and create unflattering shadows.
2. Color temperature: The color temperature of the light also changes throughout the day. During the golden hour, the light has a warm, golden hue, while during midday, it tends to be cooler and bluer. These differences in color temperature can impact the overall mood and tone of your photos.
3. Shadows and contrast: The angle of the sun during different times of the day can create shadows and contrast in your photos, which can add depth and interest. For example, during midday, the harsh light can create deep, dramatic shadows, while during the golden hour, the softer light can create more subtle shadows and highlights.

Overall, understanding how the time of day affects your photos can help you plan your shoots and capture the mood and quality you're looking for.

Season

The season can have a significant impact on the overall mood, color palette, and atmosphere of your photos. Here are some reasons why:

1. Colors: The changing seasons bring about different colors and hues in nature, which can create unique and beautiful backdrops for your photos. For example, in the fall, the leaves change to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, while in the spring, the trees and flowers bloom in soft pastels and bright greens.
2. Lighting: The angle and quality of the light also change with the seasons. In the winter, the sun is lower in the sky, which can create long, soft shadows and a cooler color temperature. In contrast, in the summer, the sun is higher, which can create brighter and more intense lighting.
3. Weather: The weather during different seasons can also impact your photos. For example, in the fall, you might capture photos with a misty or foggy atmosphere, while in the summer, you might capture bright and sunny beach scenes.
4. Mood and atmosphere: Each season has its own unique mood and atmosphere that can be reflected in your photos. For example, fall photos might have a cozy and nostalgic feeling, while winter photos might have a crisp and wintery atmosphere.

My favorite season : Summer with Fall being a CLOSE second.

Weather

Weather can play a significant role in the mood, atmosphere, and overall quality of your photos. Here are some reasons why:

1. Lighting: The lighting during different weather conditions can vary, which can dramatically affect the quality of your photos. For example, during overcast or cloudy weather, the lighting is soft and diffused, which can create a moody and atmospheric effect in your photos. In contrast, during sunny weather, the light can be bright and intense, which can create bold and vibrant photos.
2. Colors: Different weather conditions can also impact the colors in your photos. For example, during a sunset or sunrise, the colors in the sky can range from soft pinks and purples to fiery oranges and reds, which can create a stunning backdrop for your photos. During rainy weather, the colors can appear more saturated and vibrant, while during snowy weather, the colors can appear more muted and subtle.
3. Mood and atmosphere: The weather can also play a significant role in the overall mood and atmosphere of your photos. For example, during foggy or misty weather, you might capture photos with a moody and mysterious atmosphere. In contrast, during sunny weather, you might capture photos with a bright and cheerful atmosphere.
4. Creativity: Weather conditions can also inspire creative photo ideas and techniques. For example, during rainy weather, you might capture photos with reflections in puddles, or during snowy weather, you might capture photos with a snowball fight or snowman building.

My Recommendation

With all of the above in mind, my favorite perfect shooting scenario would be -

• Time of Day : Golden Hour or the Hour Before Golden Hour
• Season : Summer with Fall being a CLOSE second
• Weather : Sunny & Warm

Keep in mind, your session is uniquely yours. I am just there to make your ideas come to life. While I may have a favorite, as you can see, gorgeous images can be created no matter the conditions & sometimes the timing, weather & season are completely out of our control and that is just apart of the story we are creating.

When you book your session, this is something I will guide you through to ensure we choose the best condition for you and your family.