Best Time of Day for Outdoor Photos in Richmond, VA

By Priya Shanu - 2026-02-26

The best time of day for outdoor photos is golden hour, roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, when the sun is low, warm and soft. The second-best option is an overcast day or open shade, which gives even, flattering light at any hour. The hardest time is midday on a sunny day, when overhead sun creates harsh shadows and squinting. Here is how I plan the timing of every outdoor session around Richmond.

What is golden hour?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset when the sun sits low in the sky. Because the light travels through more of the atmosphere, it becomes warmer in color and softer in quality. Shadows are long and gentle, skin tones glow, and backlighting creates a warm rim of light around hair and shoulders. It is the most flattering light for portraits, maternity and family sessions.

When is golden hour in Richmond, VA?

Golden hour in Richmond moves a lot through the year because sunset time changes with the seasons. In early summer the sun sets after 8 pm, while in December it sets close to 5 pm. I check the exact sunset time for your date when we plan the session. For a two-hour evening session, I usually suggest starting about two hours before sunset, so we finish in the best light. Morning sessions start around sunrise.

Morning or evening: which is better?

Evening is the more popular choice because it fits most schedules, but morning golden hour has real advantages. Here is how they compare:

Morning: parks and gardens are quieter, summer temperatures are cooler, and there can be soft mist over grass and water. The downside is an early alarm, which can be hard for young children.
Evening: easier for families and working schedules, with warm, glowing light as the sun goes down. Popular locations can be busier, especially on weekends in spring and fall.

Why midday sun is the hardest light for photos

Midday sun is the hardest light because it comes from directly overhead. It casts dark shadows under eyes, noses and chins, makes everyone squint, and creates bright hot spots on skin and white clothing. If a midday session is unavoidable, I use these techniques:

Open shade: standing just inside the shade of trees or a building, facing out toward the open sky.
Backlighting: placing the sun behind you so your face is evenly lit and the sun becomes a rim light.
Covered areas: porches, archways and tree canopies that soften the light.
Closer framing: tighter portraits where the background matters less.

Are overcast days good for photos?

Yes, overcast days are often excellent for photos. A layer of cloud acts like a giant softbox, spreading light evenly so nobody squints and skin looks smooth. Colors in greenery and clothing also look rich. The only downside is that very dark, heavy cloud can make images flat, and steady rain is a reason to reschedule rather than push through.

What is blue hour?

Blue hour is the short window after sunset when the sky turns deep blue and the light is very soft. It is perfect for city portraits with lights in the background, like the Canal Walk around Brown's Island or the skyline view from Libby Hill Park. It does not last long, so I plan blue hour images as a short finale at the end of an evening session.

How to use the direction of light

The direction the light comes from changes the mood of a photo as much as the time of day. I position you based on the look we want:

Backlight: sun behind you, for a warm, glowing, dreamy look. Great for maternity and couples.
Side light: sun from one side, for depth and shape. Great for portraits and showing a bump in profile.
Front light: soft sun facing you, for bright, clear faces. Works best when the sun is very low.

Best time of day by session type

Maternity sessions

Maternity sessions look best in the last hour or two before sunset, when backlight makes flowing fabric glow and the warm light flatters skin. My maternity photography sessions are usually planned around the evening golden hour, and the maternity outfit guide explains which colors work best in that light.

Graduation photos

Graduation photos work best in early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and campuses are quieter. Places like the VCU and University of Richmond campuses get busy in graduation season, so an early start often means fewer people in the background. Campuses can have their own photography rules, so we check current photography rules before the session. See graduation photography for what a session includes.

Family sessions with young children

Family sessions with young kids work best when the children are rested and fed, which sometimes matters more than perfect light. For toddlers, a morning session or an earlier evening start is often better than a late session close to bedtime. Open shade helps us work at slightly brighter times without harsh shadows.

Portraits

Portrait sessions are the most flexible, because we can use golden hour, open shade or overcast light depending on the look you want. Soft, low light suits classic portraits, while a city setting at blue hour suits a more dramatic style. You can see examples in the portraits portfolio and learn more about portrait photography.

Seasons and light in Richmond

Each season in Richmond brings a different kind of light:

Spring: blooming gardens at places like Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont, with mild evenings.
Summer: late sunsets and humid heat, so evening sessions that start later are most comfortable.
Fall: warm foliage and soft, low light earlier in the evening, which makes it a favorite season for outdoor sessions.
Winter: the sun stays low all day, so the light is softer for longer, and early sunsets mean shorter evening sessions.

Common timing mistakes to avoid

Booking a sunny midday session at an open field with no shade.
Starting an evening session too late and running out of light.
Scheduling a toddler session during nap time.
Picking a popular location on a busy weekend evening without a backup spot.
Forgetting to check whether the location needs permission for professional photography.

Planning your outdoor session in Richmond

When you book, I choose a start time that matches your location, your session type and the season, so the light works for you rather than against you. Portrait, maternity, family and graduation sessions start from $250 for two hours, every photo is edited by hand and delivered in a private gallery within 7 days, and outdoor sessions can be rescheduled for rain based on availability. Message me on WhatsApp or use the contact form with your preferred date and location, and I will suggest the best time to shoot.