If you’ve ever admired those soft, glowing portraits or golden-toned landscapes, chances are they were captured during the golden hour. For photographers, golden hour photography is one of the most powerful techniques for achieving naturally beautiful results.
What Is Golden Hour?
The golden hour refers to the period shortly after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. This creates a warm, diffused light that flatters skin tones, reduces harsh shadows, and adds a magical glow to any scene.
Golden hour photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about mastering timing to use natural light in your favour. The results are often more compelling than those taken under midday sun or artificial lighting.
Why Golden Hour Light Is So Special
- Soft Shadows: The sun’s angle creates a gentle light that reduces contrast and makes shadows appear less harsh.
- Warm Tones: Golden light enhances skin tones and adds richness to landscapes, especially during autumn or beach sessions.
- Lens Flare & Atmosphere: The natural flare and glow can add a dreamy, cinematic effect to your shots.
When Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour times vary depending on your location and the season. As a rule of thumb:
- Morning Golden Hour: Around 30–60 minutes after sunrise
- Evening Golden Hour: Around 30–60 minutes before sunset
You can use apps like Golden Hour One or PhotoPills to find precise golden hour timings in your area.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Golden Hour Photos
- Plan Ahead: Scout your location earlier in the day to know where the sun will be.
- Shoot Wide Open: Use a wide aperture (like f/1.8–f/2.8) for dreamy background blur and depth.
- Use a Reflector: To bounce light back onto your subject’s face and avoid underexposure.
- Backlight Your Subject: Position the sun behind your subject for a glowing halo effect and soft skin tones.
Golden Hour Photography for Portraits
Golden hour is ideal for portraits—especially engagement sessions, family photos, and lifestyle shoots. The light enhances skin texture, creates natural highlights in the eyes, and eliminates the need for flash.
At MNR Photography, we schedule many outdoor shoots specifically around golden hour to give our clients stunning, naturally lit images that they’ll love.
Book a Golden Hour Session
If you’re looking for timeless, glowing photos that feel warm and natural, a golden hour session might be perfect for you. Get in touch to book your golden hour shoot today and let nature’s best light do the magic.