When it comes to photography, timing is everything. Yes, your camera settings and the photo’s composition are significant, but one aspect can elevate your images to a whole new level- the time of day in which you chose to shoot. My favorite time of day to take photos for clients is during Golden Hour- when the sun casts a warm, dreamy glow on everything it touches right before it sets for the night. This soft, diffused light elevates the beauty of any subject, whether a landscape, a portrait, or still life, and presents a unique opportunity to create images that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact. In this blog post, I will share my three tips to help you harness the beauty of this unique time of day and confidently shoot during your next Golden Hour session.
1. Arrive Early, Stay Late
To truly maximize the potential of Golden Hour, prepare to arrive at your photoshoot an hour before the sun is scheduled to set. As the sun begins to descend, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant hues, ranging from fiery oranges and warm yellows to soft pinks and purples. This magical transition bathes the surroundings in a warm, golden light that enhances the beauty of any subject. Arriving early allows ample time to set up, explore different angles, and capture the broad spectrum of colors and lighting conditions.
2. Scout Locations in Advance
The location you choose will have a considerable impact on your images. Before heading out to capture Golden Hour photography, take some time to scout a few potential locations. Look for places with exciting backdrops, such as a picturesque landscape, architectural elements, or bodies of water that reflect the golden hues. I also keep in mind that the sun sets in the West, so make sure the scene is free of large buildings in the background that could block out the sunset. Preparation will ensure that you make the most of this quick photo window.
Some of my favorite sunset locations for photos in Austin, Texas
Mount Bonnell
Pennybacker 360 Bridge
Lake Travis
Zilker Park
Congress Ave. Bridge
Cedar Breaks Park
3. Use manual camera settings
Using manual settings during Golden Hour gives you complete control over your final result. Adjust your aperture to achieve the desired depth of field, allowing subjects to be sharp while creating a beautiful, blurred-out background. Use a lower ISO to minimize noise and maintain a high-quality image. Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture motion or freeze action in time. Manual settings allow you to fine-tune your exposure to achieve a moody, desired photo look.
My manual camera settings during a sunset photoshoot are set to:
ISO 100, f/2.8-8, Shutter speed 1/30- 1/600 with WB set on Daylight
In conclusion, Golden Hour photography is a remarkable opportunity to elevate your images and create a lasting impact. By understanding the significance of timing and embracing the soft, diffused light that casts over your subjects, you can capture stunning photos that evoke emotion and capture the true beauty of your subjects. Keeping these tips in mind will elevate your sunset photos and shoot in confidence with your next clients.
Good luck!
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