what are the best times of day for an engagement session?

when you’re planning an engagement session in new york—or really anywhere—the time of day makes a big difference. lighting shifts everything: the vibe, the mood, the colors, and how a moment feels when you look back on it.

i approach engagement sessions with a documentary mindset. it’s not about stiff poses or doing things a certain “right” way. it’s about capturing what feels like you—nontraditional, intimate, sometimes a little gritty, but always honest. the right light can help tell that story more authentically.

you’ll also notice that color temperature—the tone of the light—shifts throughout the day. early morning and golden hour tend to have a warm, golden hue that adds softness and intimacy to your photos. mid-day light is cooler and more neutral, with higher contrast and starker shadows, while blue hour leans toward cooler tones, giving everything a moody, cinematic feel. these shifts can dramatically change the emotional tone of your images—so thinking about the feel you want is just as important as the time itself.

here’s a breakdown of how different times of day can feel, with thoughts on what each one brings to the table.

golden hour - just after sunrise or right before sunset

this is the one you’ve probably heard about—and for good reason. golden hour is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. the light during these times is soft, warm, and forgiving. it wraps around you, creates a natural glow, and adds a dreaminess to everything it touches. for couples who want a warm, filmic look with lots of emotion and tenderness, this is the sweet spot.

in new york, golden hour hits differently depending on the season and the borough. a quiet park in brooklyn just before sunset? magic. a rooftop in manhattan at sunrise while the city is still waking up? unforgettable.

you also have to consider the location. tall buildings often block the sunset light—so if the spot isn’t on the water or in a park with a clear horizon, you might want to start earlier in the evening (or later in the morning) to get the glow you’re after. in midtown or downtown manhattan, for example, it might feel like the sun has set well before the official sunset time. 

early morning - within an hour or so after sunrise

if you’re into calm energy and clean, crisp light, morning sessions are ideal. new york feels like a different city in the early hours—slower, softer, and far less crowded. this timing works especially well for couples who want to avoid the chaos and create something peaceful and personal. this is a great time of day for couples who may be a bit shy, and are looking for some more privacy. 

new yorkers aren’t typically known for getting up early, so if you arrive at central park at 6am, you may just have it all to yourselves.

this is also a great time for more minimal shoots, especially in usually busy spots like soho, dumbo, grand central or central park.

mid-day - bright, direct sunlight—often avoided, but not always

this time of day has a reputation for being the “worst” lighting—and yeah, it can be harsh. the sun sits high overhead (especially in summer), casting strong shadows and creating contrast that can feel unflattering. but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out completely.

mid-day shoots just require more planning. shade is your best friend here. luckily, new york is full of tall buildings that create interesting shadows throughout the day. you can also find soft, diffused light in the wooded areas of central park or prospect park.

mid-day sun can also be used intentionally. if you’re going for a bold, raw look—think industrial spaces, strong architectural lines, or sharp contrast—it can be stunning. some of my favorite documentary-style photos have come from mid-day shoots. it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

late afternoon to early evening - before golden hour kicks in

this is a great in-between time. the light is starting to soften but still has a bit of edge. it works well if you want to move around, explore, and get a variety of looks in one session. there’s enough time for outfit changes, maybe a stop for coffee or a beer, and to ease into the rhythm of the shoot. that way, by the time golden hour rolls around, you’re already warmed up and ready to nail those dreamy sunset shots.

this time of day strikes a balance between structured and spontaneous—perfect for couples who want both.

blue hour - right after the sun sets

blue hour is quiet and cinematic. it’s the last hour before sunrise and the first hour after sunset, when the sun is below the horizon but the sky still glows with deep, rich tones. the light is moody and almost otherworldly—perfect for unconventional or counterculture couples who want something a little different.

if you’re into the feeling of a late-night walk or the glow of streetlights flickering on, this is your time. it works especially well in urban environments—new york streets, neon signs, reflections in windows. this is also a great time to introduce flash, since natural light fades quickly. if you love that direct flash look, with moody shadows and a dramatic backdrop, blue hour sets the stage perfectly.

weekday vs. weekend - why the day of the week matters too

time of day is huge—but don’t sleep on the day of the week. weekends in new york are busy, throughout the year. parks fill up, sidewalks are crowded, and if you’re shooting in a popular spot, you might spend more time dodging people than connecting with each other.

weekdays are where it’s at. less foot traffic, more space to breathe, and a better chance of catching quiet moments—even in the busiest neighborhoods. monday through thursday will be your best bet, as even fridays tend to get busier.

if your schedule allows, a weekday session can totally shift the feel of your shoot.

how to choose the right time for you

think about how you want the photos to feel. warm and romantic? go golden hour. calm and personal? try early morning. bold and unexpected? maybe mid-day or blue hour. also consider your location—an open field upstate will hit differently than a gritty corner in chinatown.

not sure what’s best? no worries. i’ll help you figure it out based on your story, energy, and vision.

final thoughts

at the end of the day, there’s no one perfect time to shoot—just the right one for you. one thing to keep in mind is the weather. it’s something none of us can control. you might plan for a glowing sunset and end up with clouds or even rain—and that’s okay. sometimes you just have to roll with it. if you can stay open and keep a positive attitude, chances are you’ll walk away with something beautiful and honest, no matter what the sky is doing.

i approach every engagement session with curiosity, intuition, and a love for honest moments. whether you’re planning something quiet in queens or running through traffic in the west village, we’ll make something real together.

ready to start planning your session? click here to get in touch.