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Timing is the difference between a good travel photo and a great one, especially where lighting is concerned. While most travellers snap photos as soon as they arrive at a destination, seasoned photographers know that the right time of day can really level up your photography game and create stunning images. Light is the fundamental ingredient of photography, and knowing how to harness its changing qualities throughout the day will completely change your travel photography.
Golden hour
Golden hour is the magical moment when the sun sits low enough on the horizon to cast a warm and diffused light over your environment, bathing everything in a honey glow. For travel photography, Golden hour light transforms ordinary scenes into cinematic masterpieces, from New York cityscapes to ancient architecture and bustling marketplaces that become romantic and mysterious.
The key to maximising Golden hour photography is preparation. Research your destination’s sunrise and sunset times so you can be in the right place at the right time, and arrive early to set up your shots. Remember: Golden hour light changes rapidly, so be ready to work quickly and adapt your compositions as the light evolves.
Image source:Contiki
Blue hour
Blue hour might not get as much attention as Golden hour, but it can result in photos that are just as impressive and beautiful. Blue hour is the brief period of twilight just after sunset or before sunrise, when the sky takes on a deep, saturated blue colour. It’s perfect for travel photos, especially in urban environments, because artificial lighting will just start to twinkle against the backdrop of the sky.
City skylines become magical at this time of day as building lights reflect off water, creating stunning mirror images. It’s also a good time for street photography which takes on a moody, almost film noir quality with neon signs and streetlights creating pools of colorful illumination.
However, like Golden hour, it’s such a brief period of time to work with, so be prepared. Use a tripod for the longer exposures required in low light, and get your manual camera settings ready in advance.
Midday sun
While conventional wisdom might suggest avoiding the harsh midday sun, a skilled photographer can turn this challenging time of day to their advantage. The intense, overhead illumination creates strong shadows and high contrast that can add drama and definition to your images when used creatively, particularly when shooting architectural images. The shadows highlight geometric patterns and hidden details that will really make your photo pop.
The key to successful midday photography is working with the light rather than against it. Seek out subjects that benefit from high contrast, use shadows as compositional elements, and consider your film choice too. For example, opting for black and white processing over color will emphasise the dramatic tonal relationships.
Image source:Maria Ivanova / unsplash
Overcast days
Don’t pack away your camera when clouds roll in. Overcast conditions create a giant natural softbox for even, diffused lighting that’s perfect for certain types of travel photography. The lack of harsh shadows that you’d have from sunny days, along with reduced contrast, make cloudy days ideal for capturing those intricate details, vibrant colors, and intimate scenes that might otherwise be lost.
Markets and street scenes benefit enormously from overcast lighting. The soft, even illumination allows colors to shine and appear more saturated, while the absence of harsh shadows means you can photograph in any direction without worrying about extreme contrast ruining your shot.
Night photography
When night falls, cities take on an entirely new dimension that adds something different to your travel photo dump on Instragram. Night photography opens up a whole world of creative possibilities from light trails created by moving traffic to the warm glow emanating from windows and doorways. If you’re in a more rural location, you also have the chance to capture moonlit landscapes and experiment with astrophotography (perfect for noctourism trips).
For travellers, night photography thrives on the interplay between different light sources. Neon signs, streetlights, car headlights, and illuminated buildings create a complex tapestry of colors and intensities. Capturing cityscapes at night is particularly effective if you shoot at a higher ISO (which is the International Organization for Standardisation’s measurement of a camera sensor’s sensitivity to light) and use a tripod, allowing for higher quality shots that can’t be achieved handheld.
Image source:Masahiro Miyagi / unsplash
Frequently asked questions
What time of day is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the time of day that’s shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. You’ll spot it by the soft, warm and diffused sunlight that creates a golden hue that gives this period its name. The exact time, however, will depend where you’re located and the time of the year as sunrise and sunset varies based on season.
When should I wake up to get crowd-free shots?
Crowds may work for some photos, but you don’t always want the scenery to be obscured by tourists. Waking up early and heading out before sunrise is one of the best times of day for making the most of the light but avoiding the crowds. This will give you more freedom to get the perfect angle for your photos. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends too, offering fewer crowds. If you can’t make it early, evenings after sunset can also provide more peaceful shooting conditions, particularly once day-trippers have left.
Can I still get great photos on rainy days?
Rainy weather adds another dimension to your photos, so don’t shy away from experimenting with light and shadow on duller days. Wet surfaces create reflections that double the visual impact of your scenes, while the rain itself can add atmosphere and mood to your images. If you’re heading somewhere that’s prone to rainy weather, like Portland, Quito or Alaska, lean into it. Find light sources and shoot towards them so the rain is backlit — it creates incredible images that really set the scene.
The most successful travel photographers know that great images aren’t just about being in amazing places but about being in amazing places at the right time. Learn to read and work with natural light throughout the day to develop the skills needed to create images that document your travels and immediately transport you back to that moment.
