Sunday, August 10, 2014

Best Time of the Day for Your Maui Wedding

Lets talk a bit about outdoor wedding photography and the time of day. Couples come to Maui to marry for a variety of reasons, with the incredible, natural beauty of our island at the top of most lists. As a photographer with Hughes Photographics, I am often asked, ‘Whast is the best time to get married on Maui? Is there a difference in how the photos will look between a morning ceremony and one late in the day?’

Absolutely! The lighting changes in several aspects drastically throughout the day. Photos made in the early morning, mid-day and late afternoon appear quite different from each other simply because the change in the lighting.

This photo is from a January wedding that took place early in the morning, around 8AM. Notice how the sun has yet to blanket the beach, although Molokini and island of Kaho’olawe in the distance are sun drenched. In a few minutes, this intimate wedding will transform into a bright, eye squinting scene.


A late morning, midday or early afternoon wedding may be convenient for various reasons, but realize that the lighting is going to cause harsh shadows, squinting eyes and it likely will be more uncomfortable because of the heat. There is no doubt, great photography can result from midday weddings, but there are compromises. This photo was made during an late morning vow renewal in Makena, Maui. I’m starting to perspire just looking at this photo!


The more popular time for weddings (and photography) is late in the day, an hour or two before sunset. The reason a late afternoon ceremony time is popular is because as the sun begins to drop in the sky, the light warms up and the direction is not coming straight down. Many people refer to the hour prior to sunset as the ‘golden hour’ as it is truly is a beautiful and magical time of day and in my opinion the preferred time for great photography. This photo was made within thirty minutes of sunset.


If you have questions, get in touch with Scott, visit Hughes Photographics on the web, or dial 808.879.2879

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