Golden Hour
The first hour of sunrise and the last hour of sunset are coveted by professional photographers as “the golden hours,” or simply, “magic hour.” They provide a soft, warm directional light that makes your photos stand out.
This type of light is softer and warmer than midday sun, and both professional and beginner photographers find it easier to shoot during this time. It’s also less harsh on skin tones than direct sunlight.
Taking advantage of the golden hour’s directional light requires some planning. The first thing you need to do is determine when the golden hour starts in your location. You can use an app that lists sunset times and tells you exactly when the sun will be at a certain point, or you can visit your local park to get an idea of when the best golden hour is.
Next, pick a subject that will fit the frame nicely. This can be anything from a person to a landscape to a flower or an object. The key is to position the subject in a way that leads the eye from the center of the image toward one of the edges or peaks on the rule of thirds grid, or if you’re using the golden ratio spiral, to one of the lines within the spiral.
Then, adjust your composition a bit between shots to find a composition that works for you. This can be done by climbing to a higher viewpoint, kneeling, or even stepping aside.
