Morning or Evening? What is the Best Time for Photoshoots?

I’m currently based in Portugal, mostly shooting in Lisbon, Sintra, and Cascais — so all tips here are focused on these locations. Still, many of the ideas apply anywhere, especially if you’re planning a shoot outdoors while traveling.

In this article, I’ll cover the most common questions I get about choosing the best time for a photo shoot:

• Is sunset really the best time to shoot?
• What’s the “golden hour” in Portugal?
• Morning or evening — which one is better?
• Can you actually shoot in the middle of the day?

Lisbon — a city of light and mood

In Portugal, golden hour isn’t just a nice phrase — it’s the real deal. Light gets soft and warm about 1–2 hours after sunrise or before sunset. You’ll notice it clearly in Lisbon, Sintra, and Cascais — it gives photos depth, warmth, and that cinematic look.

If you want to shoot in the city center or at famous landmarks, the best choice is sunrise. The earlier, the better — fewer people, more calm. Places like Alfama, Belém, or Lisbon’s viewpoints look magical when the streets are still empty and quiet.

Morning sessions

Morning light is soft, fresh, and peaceful — and there are almost no crowds. If you’re aiming for clean portraits without people in the background, this is your moment. It’s also great in summer when midday heat can be too much.

Of course, waking up early isn’t always easy. You’ll need to be ready before sunrise, which takes a bit of planning. But the results? Always worth it.

• Almost no people — especially in the city
• Soft, flattering light — especially for portraits
• The rest of the day is free — you can relax or explore

Related article: What to wear for a photo shoot in Lisbon — tips from a photographer

Evening sessions

Late afternoon into sunset is a classic choice. Light gets warmer, skies turn golden, and the whole mood shifts. Around Sintra or Cascais, the sun often sets right into the ocean — perfect for silhouettes or backlit portraits with that soft dreamy glow.

Evenings in the city can work beautifully too, but there will be more people around. The upside? You’ve got the whole day to get ready — no early alarms.

Midday sessions

Shooting at noon isn’t off-limits. Yes, the light is stronger, but it can still work really well — especially if you know how to use it. Lisbon has a lot of narrow streets, and around midday the sun isn’t directly overhead anymore. So those tight alleys are either fully shaded or softly lit by light bouncing off walls. It’s a dream for street-style portraits and fashion shots.

And if you know where to look, those bright walls reflect light like giant natural softboxes — which makes skin tones glow and shadows much more gentle. For creative or fashion photography, this time of day can be gold.

Midday light works great — if you know where to find it 

The golden hour in Portugal

Here, golden hour really is an hour — sometimes more. It starts about 1–2 hours after sunrise or before sunset, depending on the season. You get time to move between spots, test angles, and shoot without rushing. It’s warm, soft, and adds depth to everything.

Wrap-up

Choosing the right time depends on what you’re going for, how much prep you want, and where you’re shooting. Sunrise is best for city shoots and famous locations. Nature and coastlines? Go for late afternoon. And midday — it works too, especially if you know how to use the light.

My shoot time ranking

1. Sunrise — perfect for iconic spots and quiet streets
2. Afternoon into sunset — great for beaches, Sintra, Cascais, or nature vibes
3. Midday — works for fashion or street shots in shaded alleys with bounced light