How to Choose the Best Time of Day for Beach Photos in Tampa

The pristine beaches of Tampa beckon, and you’re ready to capture those picture-perfect moments!

The question is, when is the best time of day for beach photos?

Choosing a time for your beach photography session makes all the difference in your photos.

With 30 years of experience in this particular venture, let us help you uncover the secrets to breathtaking Tampa beach photography!

Golden Hour: A Dreamy Beginning

Ah, golden hour— that magical time before sunset when the sun casts a warm, flattering glow over everything it touches.

It’s like nature’s way of offering the perfect lighting for your photos!

Here’s why it’s our first pick:

Soft, Golden Light: During the golden hour, the sunlight is soft and diffused, creating gentle shadows that add depth and dimension to your shots.
Warm Color Palette: The yellow and orange hues of golden hour give a dreamy, romantic vibe to your beach photos, making them look simply enchanting.
Comfortable Temperatures: In Tampa’s typically balmy climate, shooting during the golden hour means avoiding the scorching midday heat, making your experience much more pleasant.

Blue Hour: Early Morning Advantage

family of 4 during their beach photography session: family is running on the shores of a Tampa beach. The sun is pink, blue, and orange

If you’re a morning person, you’re in luck! Blue hour happens in the early morning hours, right around sunrise.

This might be the best time for beach photos because it offers a serene, calming backdrop. This time of day is also:

Less Crowded: The early hours are often quieter, allowing you to capture the beauty of Tampa’s beaches without the distraction of too many people.
Crisp, Clear Atmosphere: Mornings tend to have clearer air, resulting in sharper and more vibrant photos.
Refreshing Ambiance: Morning beach photos have a certain tranquil charm as the world around you wakes up to a new day.

Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: A Tale of Two Magical Times

beach photography session in Tampa: golden hour vs blue hour

Golden Hour and Blue Hour have unique charms coveted by photographers for their captivating lighting!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets them apart:

Golden Hour:

Occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset.
Characterized by warm, soft, and golden light.
Creates gentle shadows that add depth and dimension to your photos.
Ideal for creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.
Perfect for beach photography due to its flattering and dreamy qualities.

Blue Hour:

Takes place shortly before sunrise.
Features hues of deep blue and soft pink.
Offers a calm and serene ambiance with minimal contrast.
Ideal for capturing the tranquility of landscapes and cityscapes.
Often used to create a soothing and contemplative mood in photos.

While both hours provide incredible opportunities for stunning photography, choosing between them depends on the mood and effect you want to achieve in your beach photos.

We think that golden hour is the best time of day for beach photos because in the morning the light can change quickly as the sunrises and can sometimes cast a hard light that is less flattering!

Mastering the Golden Hour: Timing and Magic

pregnant woman standing on the beach during golden hour - best time for beach photography in Tampa for maternity photos

In the world of beach photography, Golden Hour is pure enchantment.

In Tampa, it begins as soon as 4:45p or as late as 8:15p, casting a captivating glow for about 29 minutes (we use this site to keep us with the times— literally!).

But remember: Golden Hour evolves with the seasons!

As we approach the Summer Solstice, the sun sets progressively later, stretching your window of opportunity to later in the day. This works well for doing sessions during the week because our clients have time to get home from work, get ready, and head to the beach to meet us.

On June 20th, the longest day, you can shoot as late as 8:45 p.m., with the sun soaring high and infusing your images with vibrant warmth.

Each sunset is a unique spectacle, a fingerprint of colors and light. Embrace this unpredictability!

Ready to capture the magic of Tampa’s beaches through stunning photography? Book a free consult with us now, and we’ll schedule your beach photography session during the best time!

July 21, 2023

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Find Inspiration for Your Session

Prepping for an engagement, maternity, newborn, family, or senior portrait session can make you feel excited, anxious, a smidge stressed … and of course, making a giant mess in your closet as you search for the perfect outfit. Inside our blog, we’re serving up all the inspo, tips, and tricks you need to have a stress-free photo session, from how to pose without feeling super awkward to what you and your family should wear. Reap the benefits of our 30 years of photography experience and wisdom, or just enjoy looking at the pretty pictures.