From Sunrise to Sunset: Capturing Summer Light with Smoke Effects
Summer light is magic, from soft, early-morning pastels to the golden tones of sunset. But if you really want to make that light pop in photos, try pairing it with smoke effects.
Smoke adds depth, drama, and color to any scene, but it reacts very differently depending on the time of day. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best times to shoot during summer and how to make your smoke effects stand out every step of the way.
🌅 Sunrise: Soft + Dreamy
Why it works:
Sunrise offers cool tones, clean skies, and calm weather, ideal for soft, cinematic portraits.
Best smoke colors:
White, baby blue, lavender, or soft pinks for a peaceful morning vibe.
☀️ Midday: Bright + Bold
Why it works:
Direct sunlight makes colors explode. If you’re going for a high-contrast, energetic look, this is your time.
Best smoke colors:
Neon tones, bright yellow, orange, red, or teal. Avoid white, it can get lost in direct sunlight.
🌇 Golden Hour: Warm + Glowing
Why it works:
This is the most popular time for a reason. The light is soft, golden, and makes every shot feel magical.
Best smoke colors:
Warm tones like peach, coral, dusty rose, and mustard. You can also mix complementary colors like purple + gold for dreamy contrast.
🌃 Blue Hour + Twilight: Cool + Cinematic
Why it works:
The light after sunset turns blue and moody, perfect for dramatic effects.
Best smoke colors:
Deep blue, purple, magenta, or even green for a surreal look.
Ready to shoot your next summer scene?
Browse our full collection of smoke effects and find the perfect colors to match the light, from sunrise to sunset.
