You may have heard the term “golden hour”, and wondered what it meant. 

The “golden hour” refers to the period of time shortly before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, creating soft, warm, and flattering lighting conditions. This time of day is popular for family photos (as well as many other types of photography) for several reasons:

Flattering light: Golden light minimizes the appearance of harsh shadows, fostering an even, gentle lighting that effortlessly highlights the natural contours of faces. The warm, amber tones of this light delicately embrace subjects, casting a radiant and inviting glow that enhances skin tones and imbues a sense of warmth and comfort. With its lower angle and reduced intensity, golden light not only minimizes discomfort but also coaxes forth authentic expressions and relaxed features. It’s a painterly embrace that enhances colors, adds depth to compositions, and crafts an emotional ambiance, rendering golden light an undeniable champion of photographic flattery.

Reduced harsh shadows: Photographers are drawn to golden light for its adeptness at mitigating shadows, a quality rooted in the interplay of atmospheric diffusion and angle of incidence. During the golden hour, when the sun is low, its rays travel through more atmosphere, creating a diffused light that softens the contrast between light and shadow. This diffusion, coupled with the sun’s lower angle, results in a shallower angle of incidence, which reduces the depth and intensity of shadows. As a result, photographers can capture images with more even lighting.

How to utilize golden lighting as a family booking photos: 

-Trust your photographer: If you book at a specific time to get that perfect golden light, please be on time and trust the timeframe we give you. Even if it looks like the sun is or isn’t rising/setting, trust that we know the lighting and want to make you look your best!

-Wardrobe selection: Consider wearing clothing that complements the warm tones of the golden hour light. Soft, pastel colors, earthy tones, and light fabrics can work well. Avoid overly bright or neon colors. My client closet is the best option for beautiful pieces that are already curated to look awesome!

-Have fun: Family photoshoots are a great opportunity to have fun together. Play games, tell jokes, and enjoy the time as a family. The genuine laughter and smiles will result in wonderful photos.

Golden hour evenings are one of my favorites times to shoot, and I’d love to show you why! Let me know if you’re interested in booking your own golden hour session for your family or maternity session.