Golden Hour: The Perfect Time for Timeless Photos
Timing is crucial for outdoor photography, and wedding and portrait photography is no exception. Unfortunately, the harsh midday light can be unflattering and create unwanted shadows, making it one of the most challenging shooting times. However, there is a solution that can provide you with stunning and timeless photos. That solution is the Golden Hour.
What is the Golden Hour?
The Golden Hour is a term photographers use to describe the time of day just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and perfect for photos. The sun is low in the sky during this time, creating a beautiful golden glow perfect for wedding and portrait photography.
Why Shoot in Golden Hour?
The Golden Hour is just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and warm. Shooting during this time can result in beautiful and flattering photos, as this type of light is perfect for capturing natural skin tones and adding depth and dimension to your photos. In contrast, harsh midday light can cast unflattering shadows and make your photos look flat.
Capturing Dramatic Skies
During Golden Hour, the sun is low in the sky, which can create a beautiful range of colours in the sky, from warm oranges and yellows to cool blues and purples. This can add a stunning backdrop to your wedding and portrait photos, making them look even more beautiful.
Perfect for Romantic Moments
The warm and romantic feel of Golden Hour light is perfect for capturing intimate moments between you and your partner. These photos will be timeless and romantic, and you'll cherish them for years.
Relaxed Atmosphere
By scheduling your photos during the Golden Hour on your wedding day, you'll have more time to relax and enjoy the moment. Instead of rushing through photos during harsh midday light, you can take your time and enjoy the process. This can help you feel more relaxed and present on your wedding day, which will show in your photos.
Portraits and Wedding Photography
The Golden Hour is the perfect time for family and couple portraits and wedding photography. With its soft and flattering light, dramatic skies, and relaxed atmosphere, it's the ideal time to capture beautiful and timeless memories with your loved ones. Planning for the best lighting ensures that your outdoor photos turn out beautifully, providing you with stunning and timeless memories of your special day.
How to plan for the Golden Hour
To get the best results, scheduling location photos during the hour before sunset or the minutes just after sunset is recommended. The sun's low angle creates warm and dramatic golden light; if there are clouds, they can light up for an amazing sunset. Plus, the light is generally much softer during this time.
It's important to plan for sunset photos by finding out the sunset time for your wedding day and scheduling it into your timeline. Don't just say you'll go out for photos at sunset; make it a concrete plan. Additionally, remember that the sunset time may vary depending on your location, especially around mountains or hilly areas.
The Golden Hour is the perfect time to take photos on your wedding day or for family and couple portraits. The soft and flattering light, dramatic skies, timeless and romantic feel, and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the moment make it the best time for capturing beautiful photos. Talk to your photographer about scheduling your photos during the Golden Hour to ensure you get the best possible results.
