When planning your outdoor photo session in Minnesota, there are several crucial factors to consider. Whether you're arranging a maternity session or a family session, your priority is to ensure that your images exude stunning beauty. Many individuals assume that the afternoon, with its abundant sunlight, would be perfect for a shoot. However, this assumption is far from accurate, as the afternoon sun's intensity often leads to unflattering shadows. Even though diffusers and shade can mitigate these shadows to some extent, they fall short of the desired outcome. So, when should you schedule your outdoor photo session in Minnesota to achieve exceptional results?

Minnesota Golden Hour

Every seasoned photographer acknowledges that the optimal time for an outdoor photo shoot is during the enchanting period known as the golden hour. This enchanting window typically occurs just after sunrise or shortly before sunset, and it's during these moments that lighting reaches its pinnacle. The sun's position in the sky is low, resulting in gentle, diffused illumination that minimizes harsh contrasts and shadows.

Furthermore, these golden hours offer the advantage of fewer individuals populating the surroundings. This bonus ensures that no unexpected distractions will disrupt your shoot, allowing you to focus entirely on capturing the perfect shots against a backdrop enhanced by the sun's radiant glow. The golden hour transforms the background, imbuing it with dimension and enabling intricate details to shine through in your images.

Determining the golden hour:

Given that the sun rises and sets at varying times each day, prudent planning is essential. Between March and July, the sun will rise earlier and set later, while August to December sees the sun rising later and setting earlier. Additionally, your location within Minnesota will influence the duration of this coveted ideal lighting for your shoot.

Although rising early or staying up later during the summer might not seem like the most convenient choice, you'll find that this minor adjustment is well worth the rewards. Many parents attest that scheduling family shoots during the early morning garners less resistance from their children. Moreover, orchestrating the shoot after the kids have had dinner can also yield great results. These considerations should guide you as you make arrangements for your upcoming outdoor photo session in the picturesque landscapes of Minnesota.