How to Take Photos During Golden Hour

Golden hour is often referred to as "magic hour". It is a period of time in which the sun's light floods everything in a beautiful, golden hue, making it one of the best times to take photos outside. [1] Whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, using golden hour to enhance your pictures is not very difficult if you know a few basic tips and tricks.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Finding the Best Time

  1. Golden hour is a term often used in photography to describe the period in which the sun is close to the horizon, making its light appear particularly warm and soft. This light is used by photographers to capture a natural "glow". [2] It is preferred by both beginners and experienced photographers, as it enhances almost any shot.

    Did you know? The unique quality of natural light during golden hour has many uses. It is most commonly used to capture people, landscapes, architecture, nature and animals. [3]

  2. Golden hour is normally the first hour after sunrise, and the last hour before sunset. [4] [5] It lasts roughly one hour, but it can vary depending on a number of factors. These factors include your location, the season, time of year, and the weather. [6]
    • If you live near the equator, the sun rises very quickly and your golden hour may only last a few minutes. On the other hand, if you live far north, the sun doesn't rise very high no matter what time of day, so you may be able to experience golden hour lighting all day long. [7]
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  3. Since the times of sunrises and sunsets differ greatly depending on your whereabouts, it is often easier and more accurate to use a sunrise and sunset calculator such as www.timeanddate.com . Just type in your location and it will do the calculations. The times for your area's sunrise and sunset changes every day, so be sure to check whenever you plan to have your photo shoot.
    • Once you have found out when the sun rises or sets, plan your photo shoot around these times. If you are taking photos in the morning, try to get your shot within the hour after sunrise. If you are taking photos in the evening, try to get your shot within the hour before sunset.

    Tip: It may be helpful to arrive at your photo shoot destination a little while before golden hour starts. This will ensure you don't miss it and have more time to take your pictures. [8]

  4. Although it is possible to make a rough estimate of when golden hour is, using an app or website to aid you can be helpful. These sources can provide you with accurate and precise times for the best possible outcome. Simply enter your location, and let the app/website do the rest. Try apps such as Sun Surveyor or PhotoPills, and websites such as Golden Hour Calculator. [9]
  5. Use your hand to decide when golden hour is. [10] This is useful if you are looking to make a rough estimate or if an app/website isn't available at the time. Hold out your hand with your palm facing towards you. Regardless of which hand you pick, this step will work the same. Position your hand so that it is parallel to the horizon. Lower or raise your hand until the bottom edge of your hand (your pinky finger) is just touching the horizon line.
    • Each finger represents approximately fifteen minutes after sunrise or before sunset. [11]
    • If the sun is sitting at about your middle finger in the morning, then it is approximately 45 minutes after sunrise. If the sun is sitting at about your middle finger in the evening, then it is approximately 45 minutes until sunset.
    • As long as the sun is sitting between your pointer finger and your pinky finger, it is golden hour.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Taking the Photos

  1. Front-lighting shots are taken when the subject of the photo is directly facing the sun. This type of lighting is useful if you'd like your image to give off a nice, warm feeling. [12] The subject will be bathed in flattering, even light. [13]
    • If you are photographing a person, they will have no problem looking into the camera without squinting. This is because the light during golden hour is not intensely bright or directly above.

    Tip: If you are a beginner at photography, you may find this type of shot to be easiest. It doesn't take a lot of work to find a good angle or position to take the picture from. Yet, the end result still turns out brilliantly. [14]

  2. As its name suggests, a back-lighting shot is the opposite of a front-lighting shot. This type of lighting can be achieved when the photo is taken with the sun's light shining from behind the subject, surrounding it with a warm glow. Your photo will also have a "dreamy" effect. [15]
    • In comparison to a front-lit shot, a back-lit shot will take more effort to master. Sometimes, your subject can become too dark and shadowed for their features to be seen. [16] Of course, this shouldn't stop you from having a go.
    • Instead of having the sun come from directly behind your subject, try positioning them so the light is slightly off to the side. [17]
  3. This is also known as an edge-lighting shot. [18] It is similar to a back-lit shot, except the subject of the photo should be against a dark background. [19] When this is done correctly, your subject will be outlined by a faint glow or bright "halo", which is how "rim-lighting" gets its name. [20]
    • This effect is useful for making your subject stand out from the background. The darker the background, the more it will stand out.
  4. This is achieved when the sunlight directly hits your camera lens. This creates a very cool effect, and can add beauty and drama to your image. [21] Fortunately, golden hour is the ideal time to achieve this outcome.
    • You'll probably have to move around a bit to find the right position for you to hold your camera. Keep shifting your lens until you see the light hit it. [22]
    • Trial and error is key when it comes to taking sun flares. Often, you'll have to take your picture from a lot of different angles in order to get the best possible shot. [23]
  5. A silhouette is created when the subject of your picture is entirely black against a bright background. [24] Many of their features and details won't be visible - you will only be able to make out their outline. The subject should be positioned directly in front of the sun. [25]

    Tip: Try to capture some clouds in the background. Interesting patterns and formations can give your photo that final touch. [26]

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    When is golden hour?
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken
    Professional Photographer
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken is a Professional Photographer and the Owner of Coryn Kiefer Photography in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Coryn specializes in fine art portrait and wedding photography. She holds a BA in English and Visual Arts from Union College. Coryn’s photography style is timeless, romantic, and clean.
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken
    Professional Photographer
    Expert Answer
    The golden hour is the time when the sun is lowest to the ground—usually it's the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. The light's more even, so you're going to get some beautiful backlight.
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  • Question
    Can you shoot in the shade during golden hour?
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken
    Professional Photographer
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken is a Professional Photographer and the Owner of Coryn Kiefer Photography in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Coryn specializes in fine art portrait and wedding photography. She holds a BA in English and Visual Arts from Union College. Coryn’s photography style is timeless, romantic, and clean.
    Coryn Kiefer Helmken
    Professional Photographer
    Expert Answer
    Yes, if you can find a shady area, you can get some great pictures. It's not the same harsh shade you'll get during most other parts of the day—it's a more even shade.
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  • Question
    What does golden hour mean?
    Lara
    Community Answer
    Golden hour is the first hour after sunrise, and the last hour before sunset. It's a period of time in which many people like to take outdoor photos because the sun is at the perfect angle in the sky. At this time, the lighting gives your images a beautiful, golden hue.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Arrive at your photo shoot destination a while before golden hour begins. This will allow you to find a perfect spot to shoot without wasting your precious hour.
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      • If you're a beginner photographer, it may be easiest to start with front-lighting shots. You do not need any experience or much effort to make these shots look good.
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      • If you're photographing a person, experiment with different poses. You may find that one pose looks particularly good in a certain type of lighting.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://photographydomination.com/what-time-golden-hour/#golden-hour-in-photography,-and-how-to-use-it
      2. ↑ https://expertphotography.com/what-is-golden-hour-photography/
      3. ↑ https://photographydomination.com/what-time-golden-hour/#golden-hour-in-photography,-and-how-to-use-it
      4. ↑ Coryn Kiefer Helmken. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      5. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      6. ↑ https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/golden-hour-photography/
      7. ↑ https://photographydomination.com/what-time-golden-hour/#what-time-is-golden-hour
      8. ↑ https://expertphotography.com/what-is-golden-hour-photography/
      9. ↑ https://photographydomination.com/what-time-golden-hour/#when-is-golden-hour-exactly
      1. ↑ https://photographydomination.com/what-time-golden-hour/#a-bit-more-indepth
      2. ↑ https://www.backpacker.com/skills/let-your-fingers-tell-time
      3. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      4. ↑ https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/golden-hour-photography/
      5. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      6. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      7. ↑ https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/golden-hour-photography/
      8. ↑ Coryn Kiefer Helmken. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/golden-hour-photography/
      10. ↑ http://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      11. ↑ https://shuttermuse.com/glossary/rim-light/
      12. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-sun-flares-14-tips-for-beginners/
      13. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      14. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-sun-flares-14-tips-for-beginners/
      15. ↑ https://digital-photography-school.com/how-photograph-golden-hour/
      16. ↑ https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/golden-hour-photography/
      17. ↑ https://www.eyeem.com/blog/10-tips-for-taking-stunning-silhouette-photos-with-your-smartphone

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