Avoid Bad Photography Lighting

Most people think you need a nice and bright day to take pictures. The image above shows what it looks like to shoot during the harshest lighting conditions directly under the sun.

I have clients contact me on the day of their wedding worried that it’s a cloudy day and their pictures won’t come out well. My response is always the same: you’re in luck—overcast gives you softer, better light.

"...if your photo session is on a cloudy day then you are in luck."

The images below illustrate what photographers deem "bad lighting conditions." While they may appear acceptable or even appealing to the average viewer, professional photographers recognize they fall short of optimal quality.

Choosing great lighting for a regular photoshoot is pretty straightforward — you can plan around the sun, pick the right time of day, or move to a better spot. But on a wedding day, things work differently. The timeline is packed, emotions are high, and you can’t exactly reorganize the entire event around perfect light. Most couples don’t even think about lighting at all, so it often becomes an afterthought rather than part of the plan.

30-45 Minutes Before Sunset & Right Before Sunset

Both of these pictures were taken on the same day 30-40 minutes apart.

Shooting outdoors with natural light can produce stunning photos, but bad lighting can ruin your shots. To avoid harsh shadows and unflattering results, plan your shoot during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is soft and warm. If you're shooting midday, seek shaded areas like under trees or buildings to diffuse direct sunlight. Using a reflector or diffuser can also help control light intensity and direction, ensuring even illumination. By understanding the sun’s position and leveraging natural elements, you can achieve beautifully lit photos every time.

• Time your shoot wisely: Aim for golden hour lighting (early morning or late afternoon) to benefit from softer, more flattering natural light.
• Sunset Sunset, that's it: Nothing beats the sunset, PERIOD.
• Use natural diffusers: Position the subject in shaded areas, like under trees or shade of a building or a structure, to avoid harsh sunlight and reduce contrast.