What is golden hour?
A short period of time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. I typically plan my golden hour shoots one hour before sunset.
What are the advantages to booking a golden hour session?
• Light quality: The sunlight is diffused and golden, casting long, soft shadows and a warm glow.
• Artistic effect: Creates a dreamy and romantic feel.
• Mood & vibe: Often evokes feelings of nostalgia, intimacy, or peace—perfect for couples, family, and portrait sessions.
• Natural backlighting: The low angle of the sun allows for gorgeous rim lighting and lens flares.
is a golden hour session right for you?
It really depends on a few factors. The time of year can make a difference. During winter, golden hour can be anywhere from 4-5 pm. During summer it can be anywhere from 7-9pm. Sometimes that is a bit too late for small kids who are used to earlier bed times. If you have small children and want to do a golden hour session during summer, I suggest trying to get them to take a nap on the day your session is scheduled. No one wants to be tired and cranky during a session and kids are not as good at hiding their crankiness. Make sure everyone is well fed as well, golden hour can cut into dinner time so it's important that no one arrives hungry or so full and tired that they are falling asleep.
Do you want your images to have a warm and soft feel to them? Or do you prefer more bold and contrasted photos? If someone doesn't want the golden hour lighting, I always recommend morning shoots between 9-10 am so the sun isn't its brightest or highest in the sky yet. Or any time after 3 pm is usually safe enough to have decent lighting. It truly depends on the location of the session as well. During the booking process I will go over our plans for the session and determine with you what the best time for what your vision is.
