Understanding Time of Day in Photography

71

By katyzzz

See all 17 photos

Time of day does not come into the minds of most amateur photographers. Of course, they all want a wonderful sunrise or a spectacular sunset but the lighting changes throughout the day do not concern them much.

Many professionals claim that the best photos are taken early in the day or later in the afternoon, before evening. Many declare mid-day is the worst possible time as shadows can sometimes disrupt your view. But I love the bright light in the fullness of day as I take a lot ot harbour photographs and the intensity of the light is certainly an enhancer for that type of photography.

But as the day passes there are various effects which can be achieved which are not available at other times, each time has its particular beauty.

And if you're passing Big Ben, the Vatican or the Eiffel Tower, you are certainly going to want a shot, no matter what the time as who knows when you may pass that way again.

But you should be aware of the tricks light can play and watch out for it when taking your pictures, otherwise you can lose half the image through glare or find some ugly dark shadows in unkind places which you were not aware could be there.

It's not a matter of just point and shoot, it's a matter of using the eye and the brain and then lining up your camera strategically to ensure the best perspective for the best photo you can possibly get.

Of course, if you're a really keen photographer you may want to feature shadows and odd effects and many a renowned photographer has done just that.

I've chosen a wide range of photos for you for this hub and do be aware of the nasty pix-elation you can get when you enlarge from a rather cheap image taken with a cheap camera. Generally you get what you pay for and no photographer can avoid that. You'll see the pix-elation showing up here on what would normally have been quite a good photo.

Amongst this lot you will see the weather impacting on the normal time of day shots and this can be quite tricky but don't let anyone tell you you'll never get a good photo in less than optimal conditions, that's where your skill ( and sometimes luck ) comes in.

I hope by studying these photos you'll get a good idea about time of day and its influence, also of the weather and its impact on lighting, which can be similar.

Enjoy your photography and don't forget to take your camera with you.

I have included two links to other hubs that photographers will find useful. I'm sure they will appreciate a visit.

I've also included a good video on this theme.  Enjoy the hub.

Evening and sunset creates a great effect, it's good for mood
Evening and sunset creates a great effect, it's good for mood
You notice just how charming the pink and cloud reflections in the water are.
You notice just how charming the pink and cloud reflections in the water are.
Another evening shot, the light is going and the rest of the photo presents as black and white.
Another evening shot, the light is going and the rest of the photo presents as black and white.
Full light of day and reflections rather than shadows enhance the effect and the photo is very clear.
Full light of day and reflections rather than shadows enhance the effect and the photo is very clear.
An inside photo with just a little of the daylight filtering through makes a great shot.
An inside photo with just a little of the daylight filtering through makes a great shot.
The weather here affects the photo but the pale light creates a certain atmosphere
The weather here affects the photo but the pale light creates a certain atmosphere
Notice how well the bright light of day picks out the details of the brickwork and the roof. It's a great photo.
Notice how well the bright light of day picks out the details of the brickwork and the roof. It's a great photo.
This seems to be late evening and the red of the rock and terrain almost shouts at you as the sun slowly sets giving its pink aura
This seems to be late evening and the red of the rock and terrain almost shouts at you as the sun slowly sets giving its pink aura
Good lighting at a good time of day, makes the juxtaposition and the simplicity of this photo very appealing. A technique many photographers use for a great still
Good lighting at a good time of day, makes the juxtaposition and the simplicity of this photo very appealing. A technique many photographers use for a great still
Not too much light at this time of day and the water and its reflction of the trees creates a very tranquil view.
Not too much light at this time of day and the water and its reflction of the trees creates a very tranquil view.
Sailing and the grey skies makes this a wonderful shot, weather and time of day combining
Sailing and the grey skies makes this a wonderful shot, weather and time of day combining
Great light, it is quite difficult to capture these fully opened spinnakers this way, but this photographer has done it well
Great light, it is quite difficult to capture these fully opened spinnakers this way, but this photographer has done it well
Not difficult to pick this time of day is it? A great atmosphere with the lighthouse is created.
Not difficult to pick this time of day is it? A great atmosphere with the lighthouse is created.
The previously rich red of the rock is now pale pink, probably taken late afternoon for a different effect and colour
The previously rich red of the rock is now pale pink, probably taken late afternoon for a different effect and colour
Evening and night make photography difficult without superb equipment but it's not bad is it?
Evening and night make photography difficult without superb equipment but it's not bad is it?
And here is much the same shot, maybe taken early morning, but watch those shadows, they can appear unexpectedly.
And here is much the same shot, maybe taken early morning, but watch those shadows, they can appear unexpectedly.

Comments

akirchner profile image

akirchner 2 years ago

Great hub and so true about light and lining up the photos. If you just take a moment to 'think about it' while you are looking through the view finder, it really does help. Digital photos just make us so spoiled but I so love it as I can shoot and reshoot and do it all again until I get just what I want - I love that! Super hub.

Russell-D profile image

Russell-D Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Great photos, especially Ayers Rock. Importance of Light is 100% on. Filming car commercials, light was our shooting guide. With auto's metal skin like a mirror, our shot day began pre-dawn filming thru sunrise, having soft early light reflecting the surroundings. Exterior work resumed pre-sunset during GOLDEN HOURS, till the end of sun afterglow. Mid day was for interiors with lights or making running shots at a picturesque location. Lighting is key & king. The best light for me ever was in Africa. Your shots validate what I've heard about the same soft light in Australia & New Zealand. Enjoyed your Hub. More. David Russell

katyzzz profile image

katyzzz Hub Author 2 years ago

akirchner, what a wonderful comment, it's great that you liked my hub and your comment certainly is very helpful to myself and others. Thank you.

and Russell-D, what a great background and to receive such a comment is indeed a great privilege, I do hope others will learn from it and appreciate the time that you took. Thank you.

BeatsMe profile image

BeatsMe 2 years ago

Nice photos you've chosen. You do know your photography well. :)

With the lighting problems, couldn't you edit it with your computer?

katyzzz profile image

katyzzz Hub Author 2 years ago

Beats me, beatsme, but as regards editing I think you'd find the colours would change and it just would not be the same, I think computer manipulation of images is another art form again, best for commercial use, but not for committed photographers, but I may be wrong about that.

As always it's great to see you.

David Alan Carter profile image

David Alan Carter 2 years ago

Great hub and photo selection, katyzzz. Your captions are spot on. And this comment, "Enjoy your photography and don't forget to take your camera with you" addresses a real problem of mine. My camera is always back at the house when I'm confronted with a great shot. Ah well. --David

katyzzz profile image

katyzzz Hub Author 2 years ago

It's great to see you David and to have your comments. It's a funny thing about not having your camera when you see a great shot, maybe those mobile phones have their uses, although I am of the opinion that not too many great shots come out of such things, but handy little pictures, perhaps.

Thanks so much for your appreciation.

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