The Magic of Golden Hour: Elevating Your Portrait Photography with Light

Golden hour is often considered the perfect time for taking stunning photographs, and it's my favorite time of day for shooting family, senior, and couple portrait sessions. In this post, we'll discuss how golden hour enhances your portrait session with its magical glow.

Family strolls through a sunlit field at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia during golden hour.

What is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the enchanting time shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, characterized by soft, warm, and diffused sunlight. This special lighting offers ideal conditions for portraits, enveloping subjects in a golden glow. I prefer to start shooting two hours prior, allowing the atmospheric colors to transition gently.

How does Golden Hour Light enhances portraits?

Golden hour light enhances natural skin tones and reduces harsh shadows, making it ideal for portrait photography. Additionally, the long shadows add depth and contrast, drawing attention to the subject and evoking emotion, often instilling feelings of warmth and connection in viewers.

What I love about Golden Hour:

The change in lighting really brings out the colors and warmth in my subject, making those harsh shadows disappear and giving everyone a nice, happy glow. I love how it creates warmer tones, which are totally my vibe and part of my photography style. Golden Hour is my go-to because of its unique colors and the cozy feel it adds to every shot.

Embracing the Beauty of Golden Hour!

Wondering how to make the most of the golden hour? It's simple; follow these tips:

• Choose light colors or earth tones, as they complement this time of day perfectly. Patterns with gentle contrasts also harmonize with the warmth of the hour.

• Don't be afraid to play with movement. Golden hour is the perfect for more natural and serene poses.

• Interact with your environment; touch the grass, lean against a tree, or allow your hands to move through the air.

Golden hour is about embracing the warmth and softness of the light- relax and have fun, allowing the golden glow to do the rest!

Light colored clothing pairs perfectly with the hues of the hour.

The soft golden glow can be seen between the branches of the bushes.

The golden glow allows the subject to stand out.

Golden hour during the winter months creates a softer, more subdued backdrop.

Golden hour during spring/summer often make backgrounds and subjects more vibrant.