Golden Hour: The Best Times of the Day for a Photo Shoot in New York City

Ready to see how these lighting secrets can transform *your* photos? We've explored the magic of golden hour, the serenity of sunrise, and even the unique charm of a rainy-day shoot. Now, let's turn this knowledge into stunning visuals, tailored to *your* vision and schedule.

Don't just capture moments; craft timeless memories with light as your guide. Book your personalized photoshoot today and let's create something truly unforgettable!

The best light for photography usually happens when the sun is lower in the sky — during early morning or just before sunset. These moments produce soft, even light with a golden tint that flatters the skin and adds depth to your background. This period is often referred to as the golden hour — and we’ll cover what is golden hour in depth in just a moment. It’s widely considered the ideal lighting for photos, especially portraits, because it’s softer and more natural. There’s a reason why golden hour is best for so many outdoor sessions.

A frequent mistake is scheduling a session right around noon. Midday photography creates intense overhead lighting that can lead to harsh shadows, squinting and washed-out backgrounds. Even in beautiful locations like Washington Square Park or Liberty State Park, poor timing can make editing more complicated and your expressions less natural. If possible, it’s best to avoid shooting at noon, especially on cloudless days.
But don’t worry — even challenging light can be managed. With the right timing and preparation, you’ll be amazed at how much easier and more enjoyable your photo session becomes.

The golden hour refers to the period shortly after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon and the light travels at a longer angle through the atmosphere. This results in diffused, warm light with softer shadows and reduced contrast. For photographers, this is ideal — it makes everything and everyone look a little more magical. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s favored in natural light photography, it’s because it delivers atmosphere and softness that’s hard to match.
Whether I’m photographing couples on the Brooklyn Bridge or a family walking through Central Park’s Conservatory Garden, golden hour brings out emotion and softness that’s hard to match at any other time of day.

There are several reasons why golden hour is best for many of my clients:

• It flatters the skin, smoothing textures and reducing shadows on the face.
• It gives photos a timeless, romantic glow — especially in engagement sessions.
• It adds natural highlights to hair and outlines the body gently.
• It enhances the colors of your surroundings, making city parks, waterfronts, and streetscapes look vibrant without harshness.

From a creative point of view, golden hour gives you the most flexibility with direction and posing. You can shoot directly into the sun for a backlit, ethereal effect or use side light for gentle contrast and depth — another reason it’s often considered the ideal lighting for photos.

As beautiful as a golden hour can be, it’s not always the best option. For families with young kids, for example, the timing may conflict with dinner or bedtime routines — especially in summer when the golden hour is very late. If your toddler usually winds down by 7:00 PM, trying to stretch into an 8:15 PM session can lead to stress or crankiness on camera. That’s why thoughtful family photo session timing — especially when scheduling photoshoots with kids — is just as important as the light itself.
Another case to reconsider golden hour is if your preferred location doesn’t receive direct light at sunset. If the view is blocked or shaded too early, we may need to adjust the schedule or location.

Morning golden hour — right after sunrise — offers many of the same lighting benefits as sunset but with a different atmosphere. There’s a peaceful stillness in the early hours of the city. Streets are quieter, parks are empty, and the light feels clean and gentle.
If you’re a morning person (or have kids who wake up early anyway), a morning photoshoot might be perfect. Locations like the Bow Bridge in Central Park or the Manhattan waterfront in Gantry Plaza are especially stunning in the soft pink and gold tones of morning light.

As the sun rises higher, the light becomes stronger and more direct. Between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, you’ll see sharper shadows, more contrast, and cooler tones. While this isn’t the easiest time to shoot portraits, it can still work well — especially if we find open shade.
Many NYC parks, such as Fort Tryon or Prospect Park, offer tree cover or architectural elements that help diffuse midday light. And if we’re doing lifestyle photos, editorial-style shoots, or street photography, this time can feel spontaneous and dynamic.

The most difficult time for outdoor photos is typically between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, especially on sunny days. The sun is overhead, casting harsh shadows under the eyes and nose, and it often leads to squinting. For this reason, I generally avoid shooting at noon unless we have plenty of shade or cloud cover.
But there are ways to make it work:

• We can shoot in shaded areas or use buildings as natural reflectors.
• I might bring a diffuser or bounce light from below.
• Overcast lighting during midday can actually soften light naturally.

Sometimes, clients are only available during their lunch break or between meetings. In those cases, we adjust. With the right planning and angles, it’s still possible to get great results.

Evening golden hour is perhaps the most loved time for couples, engagements, and maternity sessions. The glow right before sunset is warm, emotional, and full of texture. These are some of my favorite photos at dusk, when the light creates intimacy and elegance. If we’re near the water — say, Brooklyn Bridge Park or the piers at Battery Park — the city skyline adds even more visual drama.
It’s also an ideal time for more posed or cinematic compositions since we’re not rushing against crowds or bright overhead sun. Just keep in mind that timing is everything. If we start late, we might miss the moment entirely.

Right after the sun sets, there’s a short window when the sky turns deep blue and shadows soften — this is known as blue hour photography. It’s brief (often 20−30 minutes) but incredibly beautiful for more atmospheric, moody shots. Think of it as a twilight photoshoot where the city lights begin to flicker on, and reflections in water or windows create a dreamy effect.
In NYC, shooting in areas like Long Island City or along the Hudson River during blue hour gives you the best of both worlds: natural fading light and glowing city backdrops.

Don’t underestimate the power of night. With the right lighting and setup, nighttime portraits can be bold, artistic, and full of personality. Think glowing storefronts in SoHo, reflections in wet pavement, or a moody kiss beneath Times Square billboards. If you’re looking for something more cinematic and creative, a rainy day photoshoot at night — umbrellas, city lights, and reflections — can deliver truly unforgettable results.
I often bring a small light source, or we use available lighting like neon signs, lampposts, or headlights. For those who enjoy experimenting with photo lighting tips, this is a great opportunity to try something stylish, dramatic, and new.

Clouds act like a giant diffuser. They soften the sunlight, reduce shadows, and create even lighting — which is great for portraits. On cloudy day photography sessions, skin tones look smooth, colors stay true, and you can shoot from almost any angle.
This kind of lighting is especially helpful when shooting kids or groups where you want to move freely without worrying about the harsh sun. Places like SoHo or the High Line look clean and calm under grey skies.

Rain adds emotion and uniqueness. Wet streets reflect city lights, umbrellas become playful props, and movement feels cinematic. Of course, we adapt — choosing locations with shelter nearby or scheduling backup indoor options.
I always bring protective gear for my camera, and we can keep you dry between shots. Some of my most memorable couple photos in DUMBO or the Upper West Side happened with umbrellas, puddles, and a bit of laughter.

Seasons play a big role in how light behaves in NYC. In spring, the air is clear, trees are blooming, and light feels crisp. Summer brings long golden hours but also heat and late sunsets. Fall is one of my favorite times to shoot — the warm tones, lower sun, and colorful leaves make every corner of Central Park shine.
In winter, the light is cool and low all day. Even the midday sun feels gentle. Snow adds brightness and contrast, especially in quiet locations like Riverside Park or Brooklyn Heights.

This comes up often. If your child is usually winding down at 7:00 PM, an 8:00 PM shoot may not be the best idea. In this case, we might plan for a sunrise session or an earlier evening shoot in a shaded area with soft light.
Morning sessions in spring or fall can offer great light, cooler temperatures, and better moods for little ones. Plus, locations like Prospect Park or Carl Schurz Park are often empty in the early hours.

Sometimes, the best time is the one that works for you. Maybe you only have a lunch break, or you need to shoot between meetings, or you just really love the energy of midday. That’s completely fine.
The "rules" are here to guide — not restrict. With experience and a few adjustments, we can create beautiful results no matter the time of day. I always recommend working with a photographer who can adapt lighting, framing, and location based on the light you have.

Here are a few of my go-to apps:

• Golden Hour One — Tells you exactly when the golden hour starts and ends, based on your location and date. A helpful sun tracker app for visualizing timing.
• Sun Surveyor — Great for visualizing how light will move through your shoot location.
• Weather Underground or AccuWeather — Offers hourly weather updates and helps spot cloudy or rainy patches.

I often use a combination of these apps the night before and the morning of a session to confirm timing and light conditions.

Regardless of when you’re shooting, a few simple tips can help you feel prepared:

• Bring layers — New York weather changes quickly, especially near the water.
• Hydrate and eat before the session — Especially for kids or longer shoots.
• Trust the plan — I’ll guide you through lighting, posing, and adjustments on the spot.
• Stay flexible — Sometimes, light shifts or clouds roll in. Some of the best moments are spontaneous.

Some of my favorite NYC golden hour moments include:

• A couple on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, with the sun setting behind the skyline.
• A maternity session in Riverside Park with golden light filtering through fall trees.
• A surprise proposal in Battery Park, just as the sun dipped into the Hudson.

If you’d like to see more, just ask — I’d be happy to share examples that fit the type of shoot you’re planning.

Golden hour photography is beautiful, but so is the quiet of early morning or the mood of twilight. Each time of day offers something unique. The key is knowing when to take outdoor photos that align with your energy, preferences, and environment. A good photographer understands natural light photography and knows how to use it — so you can focus on being yourself while I take care of the rest.

Still unsure what time to choose? Just ask. I’m happy to suggest the best timing based on your location, the season, and what kind of energy you want in your photos. Planning around light is part of what I do — and I’ll make sure it works for you.

Preparing for a photoshoot can be a complicated task, but with proper planning, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience as it should be.

Creating a shot list for your photography session is an important step to the great result. Especially when we are dealing with commercial photoshoots.

There are plenty of great locations for a street photoshoot in Manhattan. In fact, every street can be a great spot, depending on the purpose and idea of your photoshoot.