What is the Golden Hour? - Videographer Tips

The “golden hour” is that brief yet magical time of day when natural light transforms an ordinary scene into something extraordinary.

For photographers and videographers, this hour is invaluable, as the soft, warm light creates a special atmosphere for capturing stunning visuals. But what exactly is the golden hour, when does it occur, and how can you make the most of it? 🌅

When Does the Golden Hour Occur?

graphic time of day when is the golden hour

The golden hour happens twice a day: shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon. The exact time varies depending on the season and geographic location. Typically, it lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, although during the winter months, it may be even shorter.

For example, in Barcelona during the summer months, the golden hour takes place between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM in the morning.

To find the precise time in your city, you can use apps like Golden Hour on Android or Magic Hour on IOS. Paid apps that are worth noting are Helios, Lumy and Sun Seeker.
You can otherwise also find online calculators that provide accurate timing based on your location.

What Makes the Golden Hour Special?

The light during the golden hour has three unique qualities that enhance the beauty of your shots:

1. Soft Light

With the sun lower in the sky, light has to pass through more atmosphere, softening the rays. This means less harsh shadows and a more pleasing contrast, ideal for portraits and natural scenes.

  • Practical Example: If you’re filming outdoors, the soft light of the golden hour lets you capture facial details without harsh shadows. Try shooting a portrait with side lighting to highlight facial contours gently.
tonos calidos en el desierto hora dorada

2. Warm Tones

The low position of the sun emits a golden hue, adding warm, inviting tones to the scene. These tones evoke feelings of nostalgia, tranquility, and natural beauty.

  • Practical Example: In a landscape shot, the warm tones can enhance the colors of a field, a beach, or even an urban setting. If you’re shooting in a city, the golden hour light can make urban spaces look cinematic.
pareja caminando en Bogatell durante la hora dorada

3. Directionality

The light has a clear direction, allowing you to play creatively with shadows and contrasts. Use this direction to create silhouettes or highlight specific parts of a scene while leaving others in shadow.

  • Practical Example: Position your subject between the sun and the camera to create a backlit effect. This is perfect for capturing silhouettes or a glowing halo around your subject for a dramatic effect.

Practical Tips for Shooting During the Golden Hour

Plan Your Shots:

Rio Turia Valencia en la hora dorada

The golden hour is fleeting, so preparation is essential. Decide on your location and the types of shots you want to capture. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to set up your equipment and make the most of every moment.

Experiment with Light Angles

Play around with your subject’s position relative to the sun. Front lighting illuminates the scene evenly, while backlighting creates silhouettes and intriguing shadows.

  • Practical Example: For a romantic or nature-inspired shot, position your subject with the sun behind them to create a glowing halo or “backlight” effect. This is especially effective if your subject has loose hair, as it will catch the light beautifully.

Use Shadows to Add Depth

The low angle of the sun during the golden hour creates long, soft shadows that add depth and texture to your shots. Shadows can direct attention to specific parts of the scene or create interesting patterns.

  • Practical Example: In an architectural shot, long shadows can emphasize the lines and shapes of buildings, giving the scene a unique perspective.

Adjust Your Camera Settings

Cámara analogica durante la hora dorada en Barcelona

Golden hour light is softer than midday sunlight, so you may need to open your aperture or slightly increase your ISO to achieve the correct exposure without losing image quality.

  • Practical Example: When shooting in natural settings, open your aperture to create a blurred background that highlights your subject in the foreground while capturing the warm golden tones in the background.

Incorporate Movement

Golden hour often creates natural lens flares and reflections that add dynamism to your shots. Experiment with smooth camera movements or capture natural elements like wind-blown leaves to bring your videos to life.

  • Practical Example: For a serene or poetic scene, let the golden light filter through trees while capturing the movement of leaves in the wind. This evokes a sense of peace and is perfect for emotive projects.

Final Inspiration: Capturing Irreplaceable Moments

The golden hour is unique and never repeats itself in exactly the same way. Making the most of this brief window is key to giving your videos a touch of warmth and professionalism. Think about your favorite sunrise or sunset moments and how they look different under golden hour light. And remember, while planning and preparation are important, the magic of the golden hour also lies in knowing how to improvise and capture the moment as it happens.

Want help capturing the essence of the golden hour in your next project? Let’s talk! The golden hour is waiting, and together we can make every shot shine.

And find more videos like this one in my Blog or follow me on LinkedIn.

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