The Best Time of Day for Photos in Austin
Lighting is everything in photography, and Austin’s sunsets are unbeatable. Choosing the right time of day can completely transform the look and feel of your photos. As an Austin photographer, I always recommend choosing the best time of day for photos in Austin to get soft, flattering, natural light.
1 — Golden Hour (The Winner)
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset — is the most flattering time to shoot. The warm glow, soft shadows, and even light make it perfect for engagement sessions, portraits, and creative content. Most of my shoots I do in the evening, right around golden hour, so we can finish off the session with some varying lighting, as well as capture that beautiful golden glow that time of day offers.
2 — Sunrise Sessions (Hidden Gem)
If you want empty parks, quiet streets, and cooler temperatures, sunrise is magic. Austin has some of the most beautiful early morning light, especially at places like Zilker Park or Mount Bonnell. Is it hard to get up that early? Yes. But SO worth it!
3 — Midday (Sometimes Useful!)
Midday light is harsher, but if we’re shooting indoors, under shade, or doing creative content, it can still work. I’ll help you choose locations that avoid harsh shadows. When time is a constraint, like an event, we can still find work arounds. During the summer months it can be more of a challenge with the haze, but nothing a little post production in the editing room can’t fix!
If you’re planning a session and want help choosing the perfect time or location, reach out — I’d love to help you create something amazing.
Ready to plan your session? Visit my Services page or reach out on my Contact page.
