Golden hour—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—provides soft, warm, and natural light that enhances colors and textures.
Mastering golden hour photography can make your images glow with warmth and emotion. Here’s how to take full advantage of this magical lighting.
1. Why Golden Hour Is the Best Time for Photography
✔ Soft & Warm Light – No harsh shadows, perfect for portraits.
✔ Long Shadows – Adds depth and dimension to landscapes.
✔ Golden Glow – Creates natural warmth in images.
2. Best Camera Settings for Golden Hour Photography
📌 Aperture (f-stop) for Different Effects
- f/1.8 – f/2.8: Soft background blur for portraits.
- f/8 – f/16: Crisp details for landscapes.
📌 Shutter Speed & ISO Adjustments
- 1/100s or faster for handheld shots.
- Long exposure (1-5s) for creative motion blur.
- ISO 100-400 to maintain image quality.
3. Best Subjects for Golden Hour Photography
🌅 Landscapes – Glowing skies and rich foreground textures.
👤 Portraits – Warm skin tones with soft, natural lighting.
🌆 Cityscapes – Warm reflections on buildings and streets.
4. How to Position Your Subject for the Best Lighting
🌞 Backlighting for a Dreamy Look
✔ Creates a glowing outline (halo effect).
✔ Ideal for romantic, cinematic portraits.
📏 Side Lighting for Depth & Drama
✔ Highlights textures and facial contours.
✔ Best for landscapes and architectural shots.
5. Editing & Enhancing Golden Hour Photos
✔ Increase warm tones (yellow, orange, red) in Lightroom.
✔ Adjust highlights and contrast to prevent overexposure.
✔ Use a subtle vignette to focus on the subject.
Final Thoughts
Golden hour is the perfect time to capture soft, warm, and stunning images. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or cityscapes, this magical lighting will elevate your photos. Start experimenting during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking results!