As a photographer, one of the most common questions I get is: “When’s the best time of day and year to take photos?” And the honest answer? It depends—on the season, your location, whether we’re indoors or outdoors, and what kind of mood you’re going for in your images.

Marin offers stunning natural backdrops year-round, but the quality of light can vary dramatically depending on the season and time of day, and also whether the lighting is affected by the mountains/hills. A lot of people don’t think about this, but there might not be a “golden hour,” at a certain location if the sun is hiding behind Mt. Tam!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your session around the best lighting possible.

🌅 The Golden Hour: Always Your Best Friend

No matter the season, the hour before sunset (often called Golden Hour) is typically the most flattering light for outdoor sessions. It offers soft, warm tones that are beautiful on skin and ideal for dreamy, natural portraits.

However, there’s one important exception:
If we’re shooting in the shadows of Mount Tamalpais or any other large hilly areas in Marin, the sun often dips behind the ridgeline well before the actual sunset time. That means we may need to schedule your session 30–60 minutes earlier than expected to catch the light in time. It also means there might not be a golden glow!

If you love the look of golden light towards the end of the day, I recommend doing a session in northern Marin like San Rafael or Novato. We could also do the session somewhere south of Mt. Tam, like Rodeo Beach.

Thinking About Your Style Preferences

Choosing the best lighting for a photoshoot also depends heavily on your personal style and the mood you want to create! Some clients prefer dramatic lighting to add boldness and stylishness, while others opt for soft, even lighting for a more natural and flattering look. The key is to match the lighting to the story you’re trying to tell. You can mention this to me when you’re reaching out about a photoshoot!

This session had a little bit of both because the lighting was harsh when we first started, and then it began to tuck behind the hills.

📅 Pros and Cons of Each Season in Marin

Early Spring (March – May)

• Pros: Blooming flowers, lush green hills, mild weather, and beautiful soft light.
  
• Cons: Spring can bring some wind and unpredictable weather—layers are your friend! Golden hour can also be too late for little ones.
  
• Ideal Time: 6:30–7:30 PM (or around 5:30 before daylight savings)
  

Summer (June – August)

• Pros: Golden hills, late sunsets, warm evenings, and great wardrobe flexibility. The late sunsets mean that you could potentially fit in a photoshoot on a weekday after work.
  
• Cons: Hazy skies or fog near the coast (especially in the late afternoon), and bright midday light can be harsh. Golden hour is too late for little ones.
  
• Ideal Time: 6:30–8:00 PM
  

Fall (September – November)

• Pros: Glowy light, warm tones, crisp weather, and fewer crowds at popular spots.
  
• Cons: It gets darker earlier—sessions need to start earlier than in summer. This is great if your family wants photos during the golden hour because you don’t have to worry about keeping your kids up late!
  
• Ideal Time: 4:30–6:00 PM
  

Winter (December – February)

• Pros: Beautiful soft, diffused light all day, great for cozy family sessions and indoor shoots.
  
• Cons: Cooler temps, fewer daylight hours, and lots of rain. Shoots often get rescheduled, but if we luck out, it’s nice to have an early sunset!
  
• Ideal Time: 3:00–4:30 PM

🏠 Indoor vs. Outdoor Sessions: Lighting Matters

• Outdoor sessions depend heavily on timing for the best light—too early or too late and you risk harsh shadows or not enough brightness.
  
• Indoor sessions are usually best mid-morning to early afternoon, when natural light is brightest through windows. I always recommend turning off overhead lights and letting that gorgeous window light shine in.

At this session, we were able to do both indoor and outdoor photos in the late morning because their yard was very shaded. We had beautiful, even light inside and out!

TL;DR — Quick Tips

• Book Golden Hour for dreamy outdoor photos—just adjust timing depending on location.
• Avoid midday sun outdoors, unless we’re in a shaded area.
• Book earlier in the day for indoor, in-home lifestyle sessions.
• Think seasonally—fall and spring are favorites for a reason, but each season has its charm.

If you’re not sure when to book your session or what time would work best for your dream location, don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for! I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect time and place to get that glowy, natural light that makes photos shine. Ready to book or have questions? Get in touch and let’s find your perfect window of light!