lighting considerations

Outside, we are generally fighting the too-much-light situation.  We recommend:​

• Our number 1 tip is to structure your timeline so that outside photos can be taken within the 2-hours-before-sunset timeframe.  We refer to this as Golden Hour because the sun is low on the horizon and travels through more air particles that scatter and naturally diffuse the light so that it is just the right amount - enough to give detail and crispness to a photo, but not so much that there are harsh shadows and squinting.  Skin also gets a beautiful glow and the natural colors of grass and trees become prettier as well.  

• If there are outside photos that will be taken before the golden hour timeframe, when the sun is strong, it's important to have locations that have full, even shade and a good background.​  If it is a cloudy day, consider yourself lucky!  Clouds diffuse the light as well and create conditions similar to golden hour so there aren't harsh shadows and squinting. 

• Examples of full, even shade include the side of a large building or a grove of very dense, thick trees.  When you look at the ground, you shouldn't be able to see a change in light from the leaves.  What you see on the ground will translate to faces if photos are taken there.​

• Below are examples of photos taken outside when the sun was still strong.  Notice the difference getting in full, even shade makes on the photo:

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