The Golden Hour
Golden Hour is one of the most magical times for capturing images. This natural phenomenon occurs twice daily, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs through the unique qualities of light. This week, we will explore the historical significance, scientific basis, and practical applications of golden hour photography. There is often confusion between the terms ‘golden hour’ and the closely related ‘blue hour’ and the various stages of twilight. There’s a good article addressing just this point at Photo Ephemeris.
Golden Hour requires direct sunlight when the sun is just above the horizon, while the closely related Blue Hour is linked to the phases of twilight, which are determined by the sun's position below the horizon. Twilight is divided into three phases: civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight:
Civil Twilight occurs when the sun is between 0° and -6° below the horizon. It is the brightest phase of twilight, during which there is still enough natural light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting. Blue hour typically overlaps with civil twilight, especially during its later stages (just before sunrise or after sunset).
Nautical Twilight happens when the sun is between -6° and -12° below the horizon. The horizon is still faintly visible at sea, making it useful for navigation. The transition from blue hour to darker tones often occurs during nautical twilight.
Astronomical Twilight occurs when the sun is between -12° and -18° below the horizon. By the end of this phase (or before it begins), the sky becomes fully dark, and stars are clearly visible. Blue hour does not extend into astronomical twilight as the light becomes too faint.
Golden Hour does not directly correspond to any specific phase of twilight but occurs when the sun is above the horizon at low angles—typically within 6° of the horizon. This means:
In the morning, golden hour begins after civil twilight ends, as soon as the sun rises above the horizon.
In the evening, golden hour ends just before civil twilight begins, as the sun dips below the horizon.
Golden Hour is, therefore, a phenomenon of direct sunlight at low angles rather than a part of twilight itself.
Blue Hour aligns mainly with the Civil and Nautical twilight phases:
It occurs during civil twilight when sunlight is scattered in Earth's atmosphere even though the sun is below the horizon.
The characteristic blue tones result from Rayleigh scattering, which filters out red wavelengths while allowing shorter blue wavelengths to dominate.
Morning blue hour takes place before sunrise, during early civil twilight.
Evening blue hour occurs after sunset, during late civil twilight.
If conditions allow enough light to scatter in the atmosphere, the blue hour may extend slightly into nautical twilight. We will cover the Blue Hour in more depth in a future tutorial.
When Does the Golden Hour Occur?
Golden Hour occurs twice daily during the following periods: Morning Golden Hour begins shortly after sunrise, when the sun is just above the horizon, and lasts until it ascends to about 6 degrees above the horizon. Evening Golden Hour starts when the sun is about 6 degrees above the horizon and ends just before sunset.
Though both occur when the sun is low on the horizon, morning and evening golden hours often differ in quality due to atmospheric conditions. Mornings tend to have crisper light with less haze or pollution compared to evenings, when particles suspended in the air can soften or scatter light differently.
Interestingly, not all moments within the golden hour are equal. About halfway through each golden hour—whether post-sunrise or pre-sunset—the combination of yellow glow and crisp detail tends to be optimal. Lower-energy long wavelengths dominate earlier or later within this period, potentially reducing the fine details in landscapes.
Despite its name, the golden hour's duration varies according to several factors:
Geographical Location: The closer to the equator, the shorter the golden hour; the farther from the equator, the longer it lasts. In some locations sufficiently far from the equator, the golden hour might last the entire day during certain seasons.
Seasonal Variations: During summer, golden hours are shorter, while winter brings extended golden periods. This occurs because the sun's arc through the sky changes with the seasons, affecting how long it remains near the horizon.
Weather Conditions: Clear skies produce more predictable golden hour conditions, while clouds can enhance or diminish the effect. Sometimes, cloudy conditions can create spectacular colours as the low sun illuminates the undersides of clouds.
Depending on location and time of year, golden light can vary from as little as 30 minutes to as much as 6-7 hours. Various apps and websites can calculate the precise timing of the golden hour for your specific area and date, making planning easier. I’d recommend The Photographer’s Ephemeris, which is free and stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s available on iOS, Android and as a desktop browser app. It will track the sun, moon and the Milky Way for any point on Earth and for any time past, present or future. It also does Golden Hour.
The Science Behind the Golden Hour
The golden hour's distinctive qualities arise from fundamental principles of physics and atmospheric science. When the sun sits low in the sky, sunlight must travel through a greater thickness of Earth's atmosphere before reaching our eyes or camera lenses.
During this journey, sunlight interacts with air molecules and microscopic atmospheric particles such as dust and water droplets, causing Rayleigh scattering. This interaction causes shorter wavelengths of light (blues and violets) to scatter more readily, while longer wavelengths (reds, oranges, and yellows) pass through relatively unaffected. The result is the characteristic warm, golden light that gives this time its name.
This scattering effect decreases the light's colour temperature, creating the golden or reddish hue photographers prize. Additionally, the thicker layer of atmosphere filters the sunlight, making it less bright and harsh, which produces softer shadows and reduced contrast.
A Little Bit of History…
The metaphorical use of "golden hour" predates photography by centuries. Historical texts as early as 1398 used the phrase to describe fleeting moments of opportunity, which aligns with the ephemeral nature of this lighting condition in photography
Throughout art history, painters have recognised the unique quality of light in the early morning and late afternoon, using it to enhance their landscapes and portraits. Masters like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and George Inness used golden hour light in their paintings, capturing its soft, diffused quality to create works with remarkable depth and atmosphere. Their understanding of this special light influenced early photographic practices as landscape photography developed as an artistic medium.
The golden hour has remained a consistent source of inspiration across artistic mediums. It offers opportunities to explore the interplay of light and shadow in ways impossible at other times of the day. This tradition bridges classical painting techniques with modern photography, creating a continuous artistic lineage.
The term "golden hour" was not always a staple in photographic vocabulary. It gained prominence relatively late, with publications like Popular Photography defining it explicitly in the 1980s. This suggests that the term was not universally recognised in earlier decades, even though photographers had long appreciated the quality of light during these times.
Cinematographers often refer to the golden hour as the "magic hour. " Its balanced light matches natural daylight with artificial sources like streetlights or signs, creating visually cohesive scenes that are difficult to replicate at other times.
Characteristics of Golden Hour Light
Golden hour light possesses several distinct characteristics that make it ideal for photography:
Softness: The light is diffused and indirect, creating softer shadows and more even illumination. This diffusion occurs because sunlight rays must penetrate the atmosphere for a greater distance, reducing the intensity of direct light.
Warmth: The colour temperature is lower, producing warm tones ranging from gold to deep amber. This warmth adds a nostalgic, timeless quality to photographs that is difficult to replicate through editing.
Directionality: The sun's low angle creates long shadows and directional light, adding depth and dimension to subjects. This directional quality can be used creatively to highlight texture and form in landscapes or to flatter portrait subjects.
Improved Dynamic Range: During golden hour, the contrast between highlights and shadows is reduced, allowing cameras to capture more detail across the tonal range. During sunrise and sunset, the dynamic range of most scenes is narrower than at other times. This means your camera will more likely capture highlight and shadow detail in a single frame.
Challenges of Golden Hour Photography
While Golden Hour offers magnificent lighting conditions, it also presents unique challenges. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, you will be well set to make the most of the opportunities it brings:
Limited Time Window: The rapid changes in light during golden hour mean you have a limited time to work. This requires good location scouting, efficient shooting and quick decision-making.
Exposure Challenges: The light during golden hour can change by a stop or two in as little as ten minutes. As the light fades, you must continually adjust your exposure settings. Smartphones are good at doing this automatically, but they can be fooled, so be comfortable using the exposure lock and compensation settings so you can adapt quickly.
Weather Dependency: Golden hour's quality depends heavily on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable. Sometimes, you may plan carefully only to find clouds obscuring the golden light.
Planning for Golden Hour Photography
While it’s certainly possible to get a stroke of luck, be in the right place at the right time, and snag a fantastic shot—your chances of consistent success will improve massively with some preparation:
Location Scouting: Identify promising locations and consider how they might appear during golden hour light. Think about which direction the sun will be coming from and how this will affect your subject.
Timing and Preparation: Research sunrise and sunset times for your location. Arrive 30 minutes before golden hour to set up your equipment and compose your shots. This is especially important since the quality of light can change rapidly during this time.
Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on weather forecasts, as conditions can dramatically affect the quality and character of golden hour light. Unexpected weather patterns can sometimes create even more dramatic lighting conditions.
Equipment Considerations: Ensure batteries are charged and lenses are clean. Consider bringing a tripod or gimbal for longer exposures in diminishing light. Ensure you have the proper clothing for the location. A comfortable photographer can stay out shooting longer and concentrate on the pictures rather than complaining about the conditions.
Practical Ideas for Golden Hour Photography
The golden hour offers numerous creative possibilities. Here’s a (far from exhaustive) list of ideas for things you can try when you’re out shooting:
Lighting Directions: Experiment with different lighting directions. Shoot against the light—with the sun as a backlight—for rim lighting and silhouettes, or shoot with the sun to the side to illuminate your subject and enhance shapes and textures.
Aperture Selection: Use portrait mode (or, on a traditional camera, use a wide aperture of f/2.8 or lower) to create a gorgeous bokeh effect with soft, warm light while maintaining focus on your subject. Remember, portrait mode can be used for more than just portraits!
Work with Sun Flares: Intentionally include the sun in your composition to create artistic flare effects. You can control these by adjusting the position and angle of your camera, changing the aperture on a traditional camera, or using accessory lenses on a smartphone.
Silhouettes and Shadows: Place subjects against the bright sky to experiment with silhouettes. The long shadows created during the golden hour can also become powerful compositional elements.
Capture the Full Scene: Remember to explore the whole scene and take several shots with various compositions. Try different vantage points, change your aspect ratio, and take wide shots as well as close-ups of details and textures. This variety will give you more options when selecting the final images.
Famous Photographers and Iconic Images
The golden hour has long held a unique allure for photographers. Across generations, photographers have sought to harness its transient beauty, creating works that blend technical precision with an almost poetic sensitivity to light’s emotional power.
Among the earliest to explore the potential of this luminous interval was William Eggleston, whose pioneering use of colour photography redefined perceptions of the ordinary. By capturing everyday American scenes under the warm, saturated light of dusk or dawn, he revealed an unexpected magic in the mundane—a petrol station, a diner, a suburban driveway—elevating them into studies of texture and tone. His approach demonstrated how golden hour light could transcend mere illumination, becoming a narrative force in itself.
In Britain, Jamie Hawkesworth developed a signature style defined by rich, buttery tones that evoke nostalgia and optimism. His work for Vogue, including the 2020 ‘Reset’ issue cover featuring reeds ablaze in sunset light and portraits of key workers during the pandemic, bathed in caramel warmth, reflects a deliberate choice to infuse his subjects with a celebratory radiance. Hawkesworth’s technique emerged from early experiences photographing England’s colder climates; by warming his images, he sought to convey light, a sense of place, and hope.
Pursuing the golden hour’s ephemeral beauty has taken photographers across continents. Julien Grondin, known professionally as Beboy, dedicated three years to traversing seven continents, capturing sunrises and sunsets from Provence’s lavender fields to Namibia’s dunes. His method of directly framing the sun within his compositions creates dramatic backlit scenes where the light becomes the subject. Similarly, KangHee Kim’s “Golden Hour” project, part of her broader “Street Errands” series, merges urban and natural elements across New York, Hawaii, and California. Inspired by her first encounter with West Coast palm trees, Kim’s collages and manipulated skies explore the intimacy between observer and environment, distilling the golden hour’s transient glow into enduring images.
Contemporary practitioners continue to push boundaries. Lizzy Gadd, a Sony Alpha Ambassador, merges self-portraiture with landscape photography, as seen in her Iceland series, where rising sunlight interacts with glacial terrain. Sara France, specialising in Californian wedding photography, leverages the state’s vivid sunsets to frame moments of human connection. Her work is a fusion of technical mastery and emotional intuition.
Magnum photographers, too, have documented the effects of the golden hour on urban environments. Their New York street scenes, awash with long shadows and amber tones, capture serendipitous intersections of light and life—a taxi rounding a corner, a figure paused on a pavement—where the city’s rhythm momentarily aligns with the sun’s descent.
Landscape specialists like Harvey Stearn analyse the subtleties of the golden hour across varied terrains. His studies of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim and Sedona’s Cathedral Rock reveal how humidity and geography alter light’s character, from the yellow cast of desert dawns to the orange reflections in Oak Creek. At Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Preserve, his silhouettes of cranes and geese against vivid skies underscore the harmony between fauna and light.
Give it a try!
Golden Hour allows photographers of all skill levels to work with some of nature's most beautiful light. With a bit of background knowledge and forward planning, you can create images that capture the magical quality of this special time of day. The best education is to experience the golden hour first-hand. Set your alarm, make a plan for your evening shoots, and witness how this extraordinary light transforms ordinary scenes into photographic opportunities.
You will quickly develop an intuitive sense of working with golden hour light, which will elevate your photography no matter where you are on your photographic journey.
Resources
The warm colours of gold, pink, and blue during the magic hours are why many photographers agree that this is the finest time of the day to shoot. In this video, David McClelland discusses exposure, composition, angle, alignments, and many more strategies for getting wonderful golden hour street photos. Sounds interesting…
David McClelland, a technology expert, is a writer at 'The Metro' newspaper. He writes reports and reviews for the weekly 'Connect' technology column. David is a well-known TV personality with frequent spots on BBC and ITV and an occasional series of the mobile gadget show, Planet of the Apps.
This video, from Anthony Gugliotta, a photographer and YouTuber based in Toronto, explores the differences between shooting in golden hour and overcast lighting. He discusses the pros and cons of each lighting condition, including how they affect contrast, colour temperature, and composition.
This week’s assignments…
For this week’s daily photos, your brief is to get outside and capture the early morning or early evening light. If your schedule allows, try to do both over the course of the week. Landscapes are the obvious choice, but try taking close-ups of plants, animals, or still-life objects in the golden hour light or taking some portraits that make the most of the warm glow.
Let’s see photographs demonstrating your understanding of the golden hour and the special qualities of light it brings: warm tones, edge lighting, long shadows, nice textures… all that good stuff.
