How to Photograph the Golden Hour

Sunrise or Sunset?

If you want to photograph during the golden hour, it’s important to check what time the sun rises or sets. You can simply Google it or download an app. Useful apps include:

• Magic Hour
  
• PhotoPills
  
• Photo Ephemeris
  

If you’re shooting on location, make sure to leave on time so that you arrive well before the golden hour begins. About half an hour in advance is ideal. This gives you time to explore the area—you might discover a scene even better than the one you had in mind. Also consider which season you want to shoot in. Winter is perfect for capturing sunrises—you don’t have to get up as early, and there’s a good chance you’ll find beautiful mist. Summer, on the other hand, is ideal for photographing sunsets. The weather is lovely, and you won’t have to skip a meal to capture that perfect shot.

Shadow Play

During the golden hour, sunlight is soft and no longer harsh. You can even look toward the sun. Harsh shadows disappear, but the shadows that remain become longer. Because the light changes quickly, keep an eye on your ISO—you may need to adjust it occasionally. A few clouds can make the scene even more beautiful, as they reflect the light and bring out stunning colours. Without clouds, the colours are more limited and your image may turn dull quickly.

Want a bit more sparkle in your photos? Lens flares look gorgeous during golden hour. These flares are caused by internal reflections in your lens. You can create them by tilting your camera slightly or using a UV filter.

And After the Sun Sets

The sun has set. You’re done—or are you? Stay a little longer. You may be rewarded with beautiful colours, sometimes even more stunning than during golden hour itself. Another advantage of this time is that you can play with shutter speed. Flowing water can be captured in a wonderfully smooth way. Just make sure you have a sturdy tripod to avoid motion blur. Shooting near water also allows you to see the sun truly disappear beneath the horizon. Water reflects the colours of the sky, adding even more beauty to your images. If the sky is still too bright, you can use filters. This helps your subject stand out while slightly darkening the sky.

All in All

The best way to photograph during golden hour is simply to go out and do it. Explore new places and let yourself be inspired by what this magical hour has to offer. Every season gives the golden hour its own charm. To determine the ideal timing, use one of the apps mentioned above—this way you can be sure you’ll capture the most beautiful photos.