Why You Should Trust Your Tampa Headshot Photographer With Timing
- Nina Bashaw
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Trust Your Tampa Headshot Photographer to Choose the Best Time for Your Branding Shoot :
Why Not Every Session Needs to Be During Golden Hour
As a Tampa headshot photographer, one of the most common things clients ask me is: “When is the best time of day to shoot? ”While golden hour is a popular choice, it’s not always the best one, especially for headshots and branding sessions. The best time for your shoot depends on the location, the look you're going for, and the kind of light we’ll be working with. Truth be told, I very rarely shoot at golden hour. Not because it’s not gorgeous, but because it’s not always necessary. I am hear to reasure you that when you hire me as your Tampa branding photographer who specializes in headshots and lifestyle branding, you're working with someone who understands light, location, and how to make you look and feel confident in front of the camera. Here are 5 reasons why you should trust your Tampa headshot photographer to choose the best time for your branding shoot and why not every session needs to be during golden hour.
1: The Golden Hour Isn’t What You Think
Golden hour is often hyped up because it is gorgeous, but here’s the secret: It’s not a full hour of perfect light. It’s typically only 20–30 minutes of soft, glowy lighting right before sunset. That short window can be ideal for beach shoots, but it’s not always ideal or practical for professional headshots or branding sessions, especially when you want more consistency or multiple outfit changes.
2: Not Every Shoot Needs to Be at Sunset
Depending on your shoot location, lighting needs, and overall vibe, the ideal time of day might not be when the sun is low in the sky. Here are a few examples of how different times of day work best for different types of headshot sessions why your Tampa headshot photographer might suggest different times of day depending on your location:
Beach Sessions – Golden hour works beautifully for headshot sessions at the beach. The warm light is perfect for a soft, dreamy look.
Shady Parks (like Philippe Park) – Earlier afternoon (around 3 PM) is ideal. Trees create natural shade that makes for flattering light.
Downtown Tampa Headshot Sessions – Morning light downtown is gorgeous. It reflects off buildings, creating soft highlights and fewer crowds.
In-Home Branding Sessions – High noon is perfect! The sun is overhead and pours into windows, giving a bright, clean light for lifestyle branding shots.
3: Choose the Right Photographer Who Specializes in Headshots & Branding
Not all photographers are the same. When it comes to professional headshots and branding sessions, it’s crucial to hire someone who has the experience and understands how to work with light at all times of day, not just golden hour. You also want to make sure you're hiring a photographer who specializes in headshots and branding, not someone who primarily focuses on maternity, newborn, or family photography. The posing, styling, and overall approach are completely different. Headshots and branding sessions require a keen eye for detail, intentional posing, and an understanding of what looks polished, confident, and professional on camera.
4: Trust Your Branding Photographer’s Experience
This is where working with an experienced professional comes in. A seasoned headshot and branding photographer understands light and how it interacts with different locations, skin tones, outfits, and settings. They’re not just picking a time randomly, they’re carefully choosing a time that will make you look your best and give your photos that polished, professional feel. Trusting your photographer to make those decisions ensures your session will run smoothly and your final images will be exactly what you envisioned. The right photographer will walk you through what time will work best based on your goals and the location.
5: Let Your Headshot Photographer Lead the Way
You don’t need to worry about choosing the perfect time. That’s what your photographer is here for. As a professional Tampa branding and headshot photographer, I’ll guide you every step of the way, from helping you choose your location to recommending the best time of day to shoot.
Ready to book your session? Let’s create beautiful, confident headshots that represent the best version of you.
Example 1 : This headshot was shot in the morning inside the Hyde House in Tampa, Florida
Example 2 : This headshot was taken at 2pm in open shade
Example 3 : This branding session was taken at 11am in Hyde Park Village in Tampa
Example 4 : This lifestyle headshot was taken around 2pm at a Euerka Springs park in Tampa
Example 5 : This headshot was taken around 12pm at Winthrop Town Center in Riverview, FL
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Thank you again so much for stopping by my website and blog. It means so much to me that you took out the time look and read this blog post about Trust Your Tampa Headshot Photographer to Choose the Best Time for Your Branding Shoot : Why Not Every Session Needs to Be During Golden Hour. If you or someone you know owns a small business here is Tampa or Wesley Chapel and is looking for a personal branding or lifestyle headshot photographer, please reach out to me about collaborating and trading services. I would be thrilled to be your branding photographer! Although I am based out of Tampa I travel to St Pete, Sarasota,, Lakeland, Plant City and surrounding areas for photo sessions. thank you so much and I look forward to meeting you!
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