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What is Golden Hour Photography? 5 Examples of Living-Room Worthy Portraits

We don’t like to brag, but we’re kinda known as THE gold hour photographers in the Tampa Bay area.

So we kinda have a lot to say on this subject.

But what is golden hour photography, and why does every photo seem like it belongs in an art gallery?

Let us explain.

What is Golden Hour Photography?

what to wear for maternity photos: woman wearing a white mermaid bodycon dress on the beach at sunset

Golden hour photography refers to the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape.

But this magical time only lasts about an hour.

So you have to work fast.

People love it for its soft and flattering light that adds a touch of enchantment to photos.

The unique quality of light during golden hour enhances colors and creates long shadows, creating this warm, dreamy atmosphere in your pictures.

Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour Photography

blue hour photography; family running through Clearwater beach during blue hour

The primary distinction between golden hour and blue hour photography lies in the color palette.

Golden hour, as the name implies, bathes the world in warm hues, casting a golden glow over landscapes and subjects.

On the other hand, blue hour, which takes place before sunrise or after sunset, is characterized by cool, blue and pink tones.

Golden Hour vs. Magic Hour

The terms “golden hour” and “magic hour” are often used interchangeably, but it’s essential to note a subtle difference.

Golden hour specifically refers to the warm, golden tones associated with the sun’s low position in the sky.

Magic hour is a broader term encompassing both golden hour and blue hour.

Magic hour encapsulates the enchanting moments when the sun is below the horizon, creating captivating lighting conditions for photographers.

Top 3 Golden Hour Photography Tips

Maternity ouple stand behind seagrass in beach sunset portrait

1. Timing is Everything

To make the most of golden hour, impeccable timing is key.

Plan your shoot well in advance, considering the sunrise or sunset times in your location. We like to use this website for Tampa Bay.

Arriving a bit early allows you to:

Scout the area
Find the optimal composition, and
Be ready to capture the magical transformation of light!

2. Leverage Golden Hour Colors

The distinctive warm tones of golden hour are a photographer’s dream.

To enhance the golden glow, use a lower angle to capture longer shadows and highlight the rich, warm colors.

Brent likes to experiment with different white balance settings to accentuate the warmth. Don’t be afraid to play with exposure to achieve the desired effect.

3. Silhouettes and Backlighting

Golden hour also provides a unique opportunity to experiment with silhouettes and backlighting!

To do this, you want to position your subjects against the warm, glowing sky to create captivating silhouettes (see the example above).

This technique adds drama and depth to your photos, making them stand out with a touch of magic.

5 Examples of Golden Hour Photography

We are obsessed with golden hour photo shoots (in case you couldn’t tell). We offer them for every type of client:

Seniors
Engagements
Weddings, and especially
Family portraits

Not only do these stop the scroll on social media, but they are a HUGE conversation starter when you have guests in your home.

These aren’t like all the other canvases hanging on your wall. These golden hour photos POP.

It’s like having a mini art gallery in your living room!

So whether you’re looking to add a touch of color to your luxury-style home or you want to add a pop of color to your interior design, check out these 5 examples of golden hour photography sessions we’ve had over the years:

Golden hour family photos

Family photo at sunset at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater

FREE GUIDE: WHAT TO WEAR FOR FAMILY PHOTOS

Golden hour engagement photos

Engagement photo on stone steps Philippe Park

happy engaged couple in water hugging at sand key beach at sunset

Maternity photos golden hour gallery

what to wear for maternity photos: woman wearing a red sheer dress at a park during golden hour

Golden hour senior pictures

Graduating senior girl in blue top white skirt

Senior girl in orange dress with hat at Philippe Park

Golden hour beach photos

Ready to have gasp-worthy photos of your family? Chit-chat with Dawn about your ideas!

September 15, 2023

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Find Inspiration for Your Session

Prepping for an engagement, maternity, newborn, family, or senior portrait session can make you feel excited, anxious, a smidge stressed … and of course, making a giant mess in your closet as you search for the perfect outfit. Inside our blog, we’re serving up all the inspo, tips, and tricks you need to have a stress-free photo session, from how to pose without feeling super awkward to what you and your family should wear. Reap the benefits of our 30 years of photography experience and wisdom, or just enjoy looking at the pretty pictures.