The Best Time Of Day For Photos (And Why Golden Hour Isn't Everything)

The Best Time Of Day For Photos (And Why Golden Hour Isn't Everything)

If you've ever started looking into booking a photoshoot, you've probably heard photographers talk about "golden hour."

And while golden hour is absolutely beautiful, it's not the only time of day that can create incredible photographs.

As a Bathurst photographer, one of the most common questions I get asked is:

"What time should we book our session?"

The answer depends on a few different factors, including the location, season, weather and the type of session you're planning.

Let's break it down.

What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour refers to the hour immediately after sunrise or the hour before sunset.

The sun sits lower in the sky, creating soft, flattering light and beautiful warm tones.

This is the light you often see in those dreamy outdoor family, couples and maternity photos.

It's popular for a reason.

Golden hour creates:

• Soft shadows

• Warm skin tones

• Beautiful backlighting

• A relaxed, romantic feel

It's often my first recommendation for outdoor sessions throughout Bathurst and the Central West.

Why Golden Hour Isn't Always The Best Option

Here's something that surprises a lot of people.

The best light doesn't always mean the best session.

For example, if you have young children, a sunset session might fall right in the middle of dinner, bath time or bedtime.

And if your toddler is overtired, hungry and ready for bed, it doesn't matter how beautiful the light is.

The session becomes much harder for everyone involved.

Sometimes choosing a slightly earlier time creates a much better experience and ultimately better photos.

Cloudy Days Can Be Amazing

Many people panic when they see clouds in the forecast.

As photographers, we often do the opposite.

Cloud cover acts like a giant natural softbox.

Instead of harsh sunlight creating strong shadows, the light becomes beautifully soft and even.

Some of my favourite family sessions, couples sessions and weddings have happened on overcast days.

Clouds can create:

• Soft skin tones

• Consistent lighting

• Richer colours

• More flexibility with locations

So if your session forecast isn't full sunshine, don't stress.

Some of the most beautiful images happen under cloudy skies.

Sunrise Sessions Are Underrated

Sunrise sessions don't get enough love.

The light is gorgeous.

The locations are quieter.

And during warmer months, the temperature is usually much more comfortable.

Sunrise can be particularly beautiful for:

• Elopements

• Couples sessions

• Maternity sessions

• Adventure-style photoshoots

There's something incredibly peaceful about starting the day watching the sun come up while creating memories together.

What About Midday?

Most photographers avoid midday outdoor sessions where possible.

When the sun is directly overhead, it can create:

• Harsh shadows

• Squinting

• Bright highlights

• Uneven lighting

That doesn't mean midday sessions are impossible.

It simply means we need to be more intentional with location selection.

Areas with tree cover, shade or indoor spaces can still work beautifully.

The Best Time For Family Photos

For family sessions, I always recommend balancing great light with happy children.

There's no point booking the perfect sunset session if everyone is exhausted before we even begin.

Sometimes the best family photos happen at a time that works best for your family rather than what looks best on paper.

Happy kids almost always create better photos than perfect light.

The Best Time For Couples Photos

Couples sessions are usually the easiest to schedule around golden hour.

Without nap schedules and bedtimes to consider, sunset sessions often work beautifully.

The combination of warm light, open landscapes and relaxed conversation creates the perfect environment for genuine connection and natural photographs.

The Best Time For Weddings

Wedding timelines are slightly different because the day unfolds around the ceremony and reception.

One of my favourite things to do as a Bathurst wedding photographer is plan a short sunset portrait session during the reception.

This usually takes around 10-15 minutes and often creates some of the most beautiful images from the entire day.

The light is soft, the nerves are gone and couples are finally able to relax and enjoy a few quiet moments together.

My Advice As A Bathurst Photographer

While golden hour is beautiful, it's not the only thing that matters.

The best photos happen when people feel comfortable, relaxed and present.

Sometimes that's at sunset.

Sometimes that's on a cloudy afternoon.

Sometimes it's at sunrise.

The goal isn't simply chasing perfect light.

The goal is creating an experience that allows genuine moments to happen naturally.

Because at the end of the day, connection will always matter more than the time on the clock.

Looking For A Bathurst Photographer?

Whether you're planning family photos, a couples session, maternity photos, a surprise proposal, an elopement or your wedding day, I'd love to help create images that feel natural, genuine and true to you.

Based in Bathurst and photographing families and couples throughout the Central West NSW, my focus is always on creating photographs that tell your story, no matter what time of day we shoot.

Because the best photos aren't just about beautiful light.

They're about beautiful memories. 🤍