Good light is a photographer's most important tool. The weather significantly determines the quality and mood of the light. Knowing when to expect which light conditions can help you plan your photo outings perfectly.
The "Golden Hour" is the period shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset. During this time, the sun is low on the horizon, and its light is soft, warm, and diffused. It creates long, flattering shadows and gives landscapes and portraits a magical glow. You can find the exact times for sunrise and sunset in our app on the "Today" page. Plan to be on location about 15 minutes beforehand.
The "Blue Hour" is the brief period just before sunrise and just after sunset when the sky takes on a deep, rich blue. This is the perfect time for cityscape photography. The lights of buildings and street lamps create a beautiful contrast with the dark sky, producing an atmospheric, almost magical feel.
The bright midday sun (approx. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) creates harsh shadows and high contrasts. This is often the most difficult time for portraits, as it can create unflattering shadows on the face. However, for architectural photography, the hard light can be interesting for emphasizing structures and shapes. Look for shade or use the opportunity for dramatic black and white shots.
A cloudy day is no reason to leave the camera at home! The cloud cover acts like a giant softbox, diffusing the sunlight and providing very soft, even light. This is the ideal weather for portraits as there are no harsh shadows and skin tones look very natural. It's also perfect for capturing details in nature or architecture without distracting reflections.
The time right after a rain shower is often magical. The rain has washed the air of dust and haze, resulting in incredible clarity and saturated colors. Wet streets and puddles create beautiful reflections that can add a whole new dimension to your city photos. Use the hourly forecast and the rain radar to catch these short, perfect moments.