A Guide to Light at Studio Borealis

Jan 17

As light lovers, we know how magical—and variable—light can be in the Red River Valley. Our location far from the equator means daylight shifts dramatically throughout the year. This is especially noticeable in winter when it feels like daylight slips away all too quickly.

At Studio Borealis, the changing seasons create unique lighting conditions in the studio. Here's a breakdown of how light behaves during different times of the year and tips for planning your shoot to make the most of it.

Seasonal Light Overview

Late Spring to Late Summer (May–August):

Morning (9:30 AM–12:00 PM): Expect soft, even light, perfect for a mellow, natural feel.
Afternoon (12:00 PM–5:00 PM): The light becomes brighter but remains even, ideal for a more vibrant vibe.
Evening (Golden Hour, 30 minutes before sunset): Rich, golden, and more intense light fills the studio—great for dramatic, warm images.
Cloudy Days: For the brightest light on overcast days, plan your shoot between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Fall to Winter (November–February):

Midday (10:30 AM–1:00 PM): Bright and even light is most reliable during these hours.
Afternoon (1:00 PM–4:00 PM): Light intensity increases and can be stunning but also very sharp.
Golden Hour (30 minutes before sunset): Expect dramatic, intensely golden light streaming through the studio’s west-facing overhead door.
Cloudy Days: The light remains even and brightest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

The light is bright and even throughout most of the day during the summer. This photograph was taken around 2 p.m. in mid-June.

In the early evening, the light turns sharper and more golden. This photograph was taken around 3 p.m. in early December.

Fall and Spring (September/October & March/April):

Transitional Light: These months can be tricky as the light shifts between seasons. Closer to summer, the light becomes more even, and midday shoots become more predictable. Closer to winter, expect later morning start times for even light, and the afternoon light becomes more intense.
Midday (10:00 AM–2:00 PM): Even, soft light is most reliable during these hours.
Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM): The light will become brighter, perfect for energetic and vibrant shots.

Studio-Specific Lighting Tips

The light temperature changes throughout the year. In summer, it’s warmer and richer, while in winter, it’s cooler and sharper. This photo was taken at 5 p.m. in mid-January.

The Overhead Door (West-Facing):
This is the studio's brightest and warmest light source, particularly during the afternoon and winter months. The door diffuses the light but can still be quite intense.
North-Facing Windows:
A panel of three north-facing windows provides soft, calm, and even light. This is ideal for creating a natural fill or achieving a cooler, more subdued vibe when shooting near the windows.
For Soft, Even Light:
Use the 8x8 scrim on stands/casters (located in the cyclorama area). Placing it in front of the overhead door diffuses the light beautifully for smaller setups, like portraits or small groups.
(Note: This setup doesn’t work well for larger groups due to the size of the door.)

A Note on Weather

While the studio is naturally light-filled, cloudy days can significantly affect light intensity. Keep this in mind when scheduling your shoot, and consider the timeframes listed above for the best results.

Light can be our best friend, but let’s be honest—it can also be a pain when it’s not the exact light we need! Knowing the best times to rent the studio will help you create stunning work that complements the vibe of your vision.

More light questions? Reach out to Britta anytime—she’s a nerd for light.