Mastering Golden Hour: A Photographer's Guide

What is the Golden Hour?

The golden hour, sometimes known as the magic hour, is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky.

Key Characteristics:

• Soft, Diffused Light: The low angle of the sun diffuses the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more flattering look for portraits.
• Warm Colors: The light has a beautiful warm, golden hue that can add a magical quality to your images.
• Long Shadows: The low sun creates long, interesting shadows that can be used as leading lines or compositional elements.

Camera Settings for Golden Hour

While every situation is different, here are some good starting points for your camera settings:

1. Aperture: Start with a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) to create a beautiful, soft background blur (bokeh). This is especially great for portraits.
2. ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible (e.g., 100 or 200) to maximize image quality and minimize noise.
3. Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed to get the correct exposure. Since the light is less intense, you may need a slightly slower shutter speed than in midday.
4. White Balance: While 'Auto' often works well, try the 'Cloudy' or 'Shade' presets to enhance the warm tones. For full control, shoot in RAW and adjust in post-production.