Let's talk about something that is SO important to natural light photographers - MAGIC hour!
"The phrase "magic hour" is music to my ears. It's that time of day when all things are right in the photography world. It is that time of day when the sun is near the horizon, glowing, and just about to set.
It is the hour as the sun rises and the hour as the sun sets. Before the sun rises/sets, it emits this hazy light that makes everything gorgeous. Most photographers agree that this time of day is THE best time to photograph. Magic hour's name is very true. The light is truly magical!" - A Beautiful Mess
The light is the NUMBER ONE THING we consider before scheduling any shoot, and before taking any shot. We plan our sessions throughout the year based on seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset, and have plans in place for the rainy season.
Each photographer has been specifically and carefully added to the team because they are so so cognisant of how important light is in photos, and they consider themselves to be absolute lovers of the light!
As a company, our policy has been to schedule our sessions during magic hour for NEARLY A DECADE now. Sticking by this policy is what has built us up as one of the leading lifestyle photography companies in Johannesburg, with a team of twelve!
So even if we sound a little crazy asking you to join us for photos at 7am or 6pm, please do trust us :) We know a few things about how natural light works, and have founded our entire reputation on it :)
EXTERIORS
If you've found us by stumbling across our work on Instagram or Facebook you may have been pulled in by all the smiles, cuddles and hugs in our photos - we LOVE this stuff!
However, something that is a little more subtle, is the LIGHT. We are obsessed with chasing the most gorgeous soft, delicious light.
This light (around sunrise and sunset) tickles one's cheeks, reducing wrinkles and removing harsh shadows. It brings a phenomenal GLOW to the photos, something that has become synonymous with our style of photography here at Robyn Davie Creative Studio.
Here's some examples of how good it looks outdoors:
"Photography is all about light, and the quality of light can make all the difference between an average photo and a stunning photo. As the sun is either rising or setting, the sunlight appears as flowing gold light that casts a glow everywhere. This hazy, warm light is why most photographers agree that magic hour is the best time of day to shoot." - PictureCorrect
INTERIORS
Wait, we're shooting indoors, why does the light STILL matter??
You know that feeling in the middle of the day when light FLOODS through the window, and is a little harsh to look at? Well, that affects our cameras too. Blown out windows/doors, and harsh light bouncing it's way inside off all of the surfaces and ceilings.
However, if we shoot during magic hour, that light is once again diffused. It's once again soft and caressing. It's gentle and pliable and easy to work with.
Even if you've booked for a session you're expecting to happen indoors, it's very likely that we'll pop outside for a few photos as well.
HEAD SHOTS, PERSONAL BRANDING ETC
We optimise on this time of day for all of our shoots, not just family sessions. It works like a dream for head shots, personal branding, events and all the bits in between.
Why wouldn't you want softer, dreamier, more flattering light in your images?
RAINY DAYS
Rainy overcast days are ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL for photo shoots. The clouds act as a gigantic diffuser, which softens the light perfectly.
We also however shoot during magic hour on rainy days, because at the middle of the day those clouds do the opposite - they turn into a big white contrasty block of light which instantly makes you squint (which is not flattering, of course).
Have more questions? Chat to our amazing office manager, who's been booking in photo shoots for YEARS, and has a heap of experience at optimising your shoot experience :)
Robyn Davie is the CEO of the Robyn Davie Creative Studio brand, based in Johannesburg. Her all-female team offers lifestyle photography, graphic and digital design, and studio rental through Fynn Studio.
She has Psychology and Corporate Communication degrees, and is constantly pushing herself to learn more on a daily basis. She has more than 15 years combined experience, managing her company; working as an art director and wardrobe stylist; running her own jewellery line in Los Angeles; and working in events in New York and Johannesburg.
The brand has proudly partnered with the iStore in 2020 and 2021, and won multiple awards through Admired in Africa. Innovation is at the forefront of what they do - always adapting their product offerings, and aiming to stand out from the crowd with fresh, bold and bright photography.
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