Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun sits low and its light is soft, warm and directional. For glowing portraits, place your subject so the light falls from the side or behind, expose for the face, and keep white balance warm instead of correcting it away.
Why the Light Works
When the sun is low, its light passes through more atmosphere. That scatters the blue wavelengths and leaves a warm, golden tone. The angle also reduces harsh shadows under the eyes and gives a gentle glow on skin. The length of the period depends on season and latitude, so use a weather or sun-position app to see the times for your location.
Plan Before You Arrive
- Check the direction of the sun and choose a location with an open view toward it.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to scout and set up, because the light changes quickly.
- Bring a reflector, a white card or a light-colored wall as a fill source.
- Choose clothing in solid, mid-tone colors that look good in warm light.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Shoot in RAW so white balance and exposure can be adjusted later.
- Choose aperture priority or manual mode. An aperture around f/1.8 to f/2.8 blurs the background and makes highlights glow.
- Position the subject with the sun at the side for shape, or behind for a bright rim of light on the hair.
- For backlit portraits, meter on the face and add roughly one stop of exposure compensation, so the face does not turn dark.
- Fill the shadows with a reflector held low and angled up toward the face.
- Set white balance to daylight or cloudy to keep the warmth. Auto often cools the picture and loses the mood.
- Focus on the nearest eye and check the screen as the light shifts.
All settings are general guidance, so adjust to the scene in front of you.
Handling Flare
Shooting toward the sun can produce flare, which is a haze or colored shapes across the picture. A little looks dreamy, and too much lowers contrast. Change your angle slightly, use a lens hood, or hide the sun partly behind your subject or a tree branch to control it.
FAQ
Can I shoot golden hour with a phone?
Yes. Tap on the face to set exposure, then lower the brightness slider if the sky clips. The same principles of angle and backlight apply.
What if the day is cloudy?
Clouds soften the light and reduce the warmth, but you can add warmth in editing. The soft light remains flattering for portraits.
The Short Version
Arrive early, put the sun to the side or behind your subject, expose for the face and keep white balance warm. Use a reflector for fill and manage flare with angle and a lens hood. The window is short, so work quickly and keep notes.
