The golden hour is a magic time when the sun is low to the horizon and casts a golden, warm light on the landscape, but only for about an hour that starts an hour or less before sunset and lasts up to as much as 30 minutes after it. Although both sunrise and sunset can give this type of light, the sunset usually has the warmest, most flattering light.
This has been a classic light for pro photographers, from those working for National Geographic to cinematographers creating Hollywood films. In fact, whole films have been shot entirely at this time. Which is one reason why films can be so expensive but the light sure looks good.
This light looks great at any angle, but the richest color and best tonalities often come when the light is at the side or even hitting the front of your subject. Front light on a subject is very unattractive in the middle of the day, but near sunset, it transforms into a radiant, beautiful light on many subjects.
Do not pack up your camera just because the sun has set. If you are patient, you may find some truly outstanding light on your scene. Usually, the light gets duller just after the sun sets, but about 5–10 minutes later it often changes to a warm, soft, and wonderful light. There is no guarantee this will always happen, but when it does, you will be glad you had your camera.
Tips
When the light is low, and especially before sunrise or after sunset, your exposures often require slow shutter speeds. That can result in blurry pictures due to camera movement. Use a tripod or brace your camera against something solid if needed. You can also try setting a higher ISO setting and a wider aperture to allow for a faster shutter speed.
This has been a classic light for pro photographers, from those working for National Geographic to cinematographers creating Hollywood films. In fact, whole films have been shot entirely at this time. Which is one reason why films can be so expensive but the light sure looks good.
This light looks great at any angle, but the richest color and best tonalities often come when the light is at the side or even hitting the front of your subject. Front light on a subject is very unattractive in the middle of the day, but near sunset, it transforms into a radiant, beautiful light on many subjects.
Do not pack up your camera just because the sun has set. If you are patient, you may find some truly outstanding light on your scene. Usually, the light gets duller just after the sun sets, but about 5–10 minutes later it often changes to a warm, soft, and wonderful light. There is no guarantee this will always happen, but when it does, you will be glad you had your camera.
Tips
When the light is low, and especially before sunrise or after sunset, your exposures often require slow shutter speeds. That can result in blurry pictures due to camera movement. Use a tripod or brace your camera against something solid if needed. You can also try setting a higher ISO setting and a wider aperture to allow for a faster shutter speed.
