When is the best time of day for maternity photos?

If you’re starting to plan your maternity photo session, one of the most common questions is what time of day is best.

The short answer is usually about 1–2 hours before sunset. But in Northern Colorado, there’s a little more to it than simply checking the official sunset time—especially if you’re hoping for mountain views or anything along the foothills.

Why light in Colorado can feel a little different

One thing that surprises a lot of people—especially if you’ve lived in other states—is that light in Colorado can feel a bit more intense. Because of our higher elevation, the sun is simply stronger and brighter here than in many other places. That means mid-day, light can feel:

harsher
more direct
and a little less forgiving in photos

This is part of the reason why timing matters so much - waking up early or waiting until later in the day allows that light to soften into something much more natural and flattering.

Mountain and foothills sessions: more than just golden hour

If you’re planning photos in the mountains or along the foothills—around Fort Collins or places like the Flatirons—you’ll often hear that golden hour is the best time for photos.

And it’s true—the warm, glowing light right before the sun dips behind the mountains is beautiful and something many people are drawn to.

But what isn’t talked about as much is how different timing works in these locations. Because of the terrain, the sun often drops behind the mountains earlier than the official sunset time—sometimes by quite a bit depending on where you are. If you’re not suer what time sunset is at your location, ask your photographer.

Even after the sun is no longer visible, there’s often still a generous amount of light left. It becomes softer, more even, and less directional. Instead of having to constantly position around the sun, we’re able to move more freely, shift directions, and use a wider range of backgrounds without worrying about harsh light or shadows.

Because of this, planning your session right around sunset can actually be ideal. It allows for a mix of both—the golden, backlit light beforehand, and the softer, more flexible light that follows. Having both tends to create a more varied and natural-feeling gallery.

Why your exact location matters

One of the biggest factors in timing is your exact location.

Light behaves very differently depending on whether you’re in an open field, a tree-covered area, or up against the foothills or mountains. Even within Northern Colorado, the timing can shift more than you’d expect.

That’s why it’s always worth talking through your specific location with your photographer ahead of time. It takes the guesswork out of it and ensures we’re planning around the light in a way that works best for your setting.

Final thoughts

If you’re not sure what time to choose, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

I’ll always guide you based on your location, the season, and the kind of feel you’re drawn to, so your session feels easy and relaxed from the start.

And if you’re hoping for those soft, natural, connected images, timing is one of the biggest pieces that helps bring that to life.

If you’re expecting and starting to think about maternity or newborn photos in Northern Colorado, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels natural, relaxed, and true to your family. Click the button below to learn more and begin planning your photo session.

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