How to Capture Stunning Photos During Golden Hour
Table of Contents
You’ve heard of the term “Golden Hour” as a beginner photographer. What is Golden Hour and why is it so important to take great photos? Let’s find out.
In this beginner’s guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Golden Hour, why it’s the best time for photography and we’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of this special time.
Key Takeaways
Definition: Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset known for its soft, warm lighting.
Why It's Important: The lighting during golden hour creates flattering, natural light, reducing harsh shadows and highlights.
Best Uses: Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes, providing a magical quality to photos.
Timing: The duration of golden hour varies based on location and time of year.
Preparation: Plan ahead and scout locations to make the most of this brief window of perfect light.
What is the Golden Hour?
The golden hour, also known as the “magic hour,” is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and creates a soft, warm and golden light. Golden Hour is very similar to Magic Hour; however they are slightly different. Magic hour is after sunset and before sunrise. Golden hour is before sunset and after sunrise.
This light is highly prized by photographers for its ability to make a scene look beautiful and create a dreamy effect. To make the most of the golden hour you need to plan ahead, get there early, use a tripod, experiment with composition, shoot in manual and capture the colours and patterns in the sky. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, silhouettes or cityscapes the golden hour offers endless opportunities for great photography.
Why is the Golden Hour good for photography?
The golden hour is good for photography for several reasons:
Soft, Warm Light: The low sun creates soft, warm light that’s flattering for portraits and adds a beautiful glow to landscapes.
Long Shadows: The long shadows created by the low sun add depth and dimension to your photos making them more interesting and dynamic.
Vibrant Colours: The warm light also enhances the colours in your photos making them more rich and poppy.
Less Contrast: The low sun also reduces the contrast between light and shadow making it easier to get a well exposed shot.
Golden Hour Photography Cheat Sheet
To help you make the most of the golden hour, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Plan Ahead: The golden hour only lasts for a short period, so it's important to plan ahead and know precisely when it will occur in your location. You can use apps like TPE or PhotoPills to determine the exact time of the golden hour in your area.
Arrive Early: Arriving early will give you time to scout the perfect location and set up your equipment before the golden hour begins.
Use a Tripod: As the light during the golden hour is low and soft, you may need to use a longer shutter speed to capture a well-exposed photo. A tripod will help keep your camera steady and prevent any blurriness in your photos.
Experiment with Composition: The golden hour light can add a new dimension to your photos. Don't be afraid to experiment with different compositions and angles to capture the perfect shot.
Shoot in Manual Mode: Shooting in manual mode will give you more control over your camera settings and allow you to adjust them as the light changes during the golden hour.
Don't Forget About the Sky: While the warm, golden light is often the main focus during the golden hour, don't forget to look up and capture the beautiful colors and patterns in the sky.
Best Types of Photography For Golden Hour
Landscape Photography
The golden hour is perfect for capturing stunning landscape photos. The soft, warm light can add a dreamy quality to your photos and make even the most ordinary landscapes look magical. Experiment with different compositions and angles to capture the perfect shot.
Portrait Photography
The golden hour is also ideal for portrait photography. The soft, warm light can add a beautiful glow to your subject's skin and create a flattering, ethereal look. Experiment with different poses and compositions to capture the perfect golden hour portrait.
Silhouettes
The long shadows created by the low sun during the golden hour are perfect for capturing silhouettes. Position your subject in front of the sun and expose for the background to create a striking silhouette against the warm, golden sky.
Cityscape Photography
The golden hour is not just for nature photography - it can also add a beautiful touch to cityscapes. The warm, golden light can enhance the colors and textures of buildings and create a stunning contrast against the city skyline.
Golden Hour Photography Tips for Beginners
As a beginner photographer, the golden hour may seem intimidating, but with these tips, you'll be capturing stunning photos in no time:
Scout Out Locations in Advance
Before the golden hour, take some time to scout out potential locations for your photo shoot. Look for interesting landscapes, buildings, or other elements to make your photos stand out.
Use a Wide Aperture
A wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or lower, will help you capture the soft, dreamy look of the golden hour light. It will also help you achieve a shallow depth of field, which can add a beautiful bokeh effect to your photos.
Experiment with White Balance
The golden hour light can have a warm orange tone, adding a beautiful touch to your photos. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different white balance settings to achieve your desired look.
Don't Be Afraid to Break the Rules
While there are specific guidelines for golden hour photography, feel free to break the rules and experiment with different techniques and compositions. Sometimes, the most unique and stunning photos come from taking risks and trying something new.
Final Thought
The Golden Hour is almost like cheating in photography. It's much easier to take epic photos when the light is perfect. Remember to prepare in advance, get there early, and try various arrangements and setups to maximize the golden period illumination. With determination and persistence, you will be snapping awe-inspiring pictures before you know it.
FAQ
Q: What is the golden hour in photography? A: The golden hour refers to the time just after sunrise and just before sunset when the lighting is soft and warm, ideal for photography.
Q: Why is the golden hour good for photography? A: The light is diffused and warm, creating flattering tones and reducing harsh shadows and highlights, which enhances the overall quality of photos.
Q: How long does the golden hour last? A: The duration varies depending on the season and geographic location but typically lasts about an hour.
Q: What types of photography benefit the most from the golden hour? A: Portrait, landscape, and cityscape photography benefit the most due to the natural and flattering lighting conditions.
Q: How can I plan for golden hour photography? A: Use apps or websites to track sunrise and sunset times, scout locations in advance, and arrive early to set up and capture the fleeting moments of perfect light.