You may have heard about golden hour and that it's the best time of day to take photos. Perhaps you've even tried it and weren't all that impressed. So what's the big fuss about?? First, let's make sure we are on the same page.

What Is Golden Hour

Golden hour is the hour or two after sunrise or the hour or two before sunset. By a more technical definition, it's when the the sun is between 6 degrees below and 6 degrees above the horizon.

So how do you find out when golden hour starts? The simple answer is to just google sunset [the date] in [your city] - example: sunset October 3, 2021 in Loudoun County, Virginia (yes, the year is important!). I personally find the last 10-15 minutes prior to sunset too dark, so I like to plan my photoshoots for 75 minutes before sunset.

The more advanced answer is that there are actually quite a few factors that will impact how long golden hour lasts - the time of year and the distance you are from the equator. The closer you are to the equator, the shorter golden hour will last. Sunrise & Sunset Calculator will give you more detailed information.

3 Reasons to Shoot During Golden Hour

Soft and Golden

Because the light is low and takes further to reach the earth, it creates a soft glow. This soft glow results in flattering skin tones. The light is also a beautiful golden hue made up of yellows, oranges, and/or reds. Warmer tones can bring about feelings of joy and positivity and are a great way to evoke a feeling or emotion in your photos.

Creative Fun

The light during golden hour is a photographer's dream. It's a little different every time and can be used to create some fun effects.

Rim Light

Notice the light around the model's hair which follows down her front arm. This is rim light. It helps create a separation between the background and subject and make your subject pop.

Light Leaks

Notice the light leaking in front the left. Sometimes this can also be an unwanted effect if not used with intent.

Haze

Notice the haze around the subject's face. This may also be an unwanted effect if not used intentionally.

Lens Flare

Notice the rainbow curved lines at the bottom of the photo. This was produced naturally in camera. Most of the time, lens flares are unwanted but used creatively, they can add a fun effect.

Sun Flare

Notice the light between the dad and daughter that seems to burst out. This is a sun flare, also called a sunburst.

Diffused Backlight Glow

Notice how there is a glow to the light in the trees. This is one of my personal favorite techniques to create.

Face the Sun

Unlike midday when the sun is harsh, you can also face your subjects towards the sun during golden hour. The light is less intense and won't produce images with squinting. It can produce flattering, even light.

Need More Help?

Maybe you'd like to give golden hour a try or perhaps you've tried to shoot during golden hour and your photos were unimpressive. This next section is for you!

Below is my very first photo during golden hour. I did not understand what all the hype was about. (Scroll to the end to see one of my most recent golden hour photos.)

There are a lot of ins and outs with shooting AND editing during golden hour. I'd love to help you take gorgeous golden hour photos and push you creatively!

If you'd like to learn all my secrets to shooting and editing, check out Beyond the Snapshot. October's content is a mini course on all things golden hour. In addition to the tutorials, you'll also receive feedback on your photos all month long including a live editing of your photos! You won't fail with my help!

The photo above is one of my most recent golden hour photos.

*Included in the membership, you'll see the behind the scenes for the photo above as well as an editing walkthrough.