What is the Golden Hour?
I get a lot of clients that are curious why I like to shoot the hour after dawn or before sunset. Schedules are hard, naps are determined by the whimpering whims of sleepy children, there are lawns to mow, sports ball to watch and errands to run. It's a lot, but light is the paint of photographs, and you have to ask yourself, do you want a Jackson Pollock or a Claude Monet!?
Big commercial photo companies will book you a session anytime of day as long as you'll pay up. You'll be out in the blazing sunshine, mid-day with your blue-eyed, pale children squinting painfully at the camera or perhaps a couple trying to have a romantic engagement session sweltering in the midday sun.
There is a reason why sunsets and candlelight dinners are beautiful and romantic, and it really doesn't have to do with what time it happens to be. It has everything to do with the quality and direction of the light!
Below is a case study of how important that golden hour light can be! When do you think the first two photos were taken? If you guessed at sunset, you're correct!
Morning
This can be a great time for those brave enough to venture out in the early morning hours on a weekend! See how the light is soft on their faces and gently lights the background without harsh shadows on the ground. It can be cool too, so on a warm summer’s day, it's ideal.
Mid-Day
Here is where it gets very tricky for a photographer and really limits the possibilities. First off, the woman is squinting, which never looks good. I'm sure the guy is honestly either blinded or has his eyes closed! The light is harsh, angry, and it can be hot and uncomfortable.
Sunset
My favorite time for a session! Here the light, much like the morning, is softer and coming from the side, opposed to above. See how it paints the background with a golden glow, and the angle provides shaded areas still well lit by the reflecting sun.