Ask any photographer about their favorite time to shoot, and most will say, “Golden Hour.” It’s that dreamy period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun casts a soft, warm, golden light — perfect for capturing stunning photos with natural glow and depth.In this blog, we’ll explore why golden hour is so special, how to plan your shoot, and tips to make the most of this magical time.
What is the Golden Hour?
The golden hour refers to the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. The light is:
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Soft and Diffused – less harsh shadows
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Warm and Golden – adds emotion and mood
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Flattering on Skin Tones – perfect for portraits and couple shoots
How to Plan a Golden Hour Shoot
1. Check the Timing
Golden hour changes daily depending on your location and season. Use apps like:
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Golden Hour One
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PhotoPills
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Sun Surveyor
These help you track sunrise/sunset timing accurately.
2. Reach Early
Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before golden hour starts so you can set up, test angles, and catch changing light.
3. Scout Your Location in Advance
Knowing your shoot location helps you plan the best spots for backlit or silhouette shots.
Photography Tips for Golden Hour
1. Shoot with the Sun Behind Your Subject
This creates beautiful backlight effects and glowing hair outlines. Use a reflector or fill flash if needed to brighten faces.
2. Use a Wide Aperture
Keep your aperture between f/1.8 to f/2.8 to get dreamy background blur (bokeh) and let more light into the lens.
3. Try Silhouettes for Drama
Position your subject directly in front of the sun and expose for the sky — it creates stunning silhouettes with strong outlines.
4. Adjust White Balance to ‘Cloudy’
This enhances the warmth in your shots, making the golden glow even more beautiful.
5. Shoot Continuously
The light changes quickly during golden hour, so keep shooting — every 5 minutes gives you a slightly different vibe.
