Golden hour — the hour after sunrise and before sunset — gives you soft, directional, warm light. Here's how to make the most of its short window.
01Plan the window
Use a sun-tracking app to see exactly where the sun will set. The best light often lasts only 20 minutes, so arrive early and scout your background.
02Backlight your subject
Place the sun behind your subject for a glowing rim of light in their hair. Expose for the face, and let the background bloom.
03Use a reflector
A cheap 5-in-1 reflector bounces warm light back into the shadows, keeping eyes bright without flash.
04Watch your white balance
Auto white balance often neutralises the warmth you came for. Set it to 'Cloudy' or around 6000K.
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Written by
Maya Laurent
Portrait and documentary photographer for 12 years. Maya edits our photography guides and still shoots mostly on a 35mm and a 50mm prime.