Golden hour: how to use it for portraits

Golden hour can make any portrait feel warm, soft, and full of life. The sun sits low, the shadows turn gentle, and skin picks up a natural glow. It lasts only a short while, so a little planning goes a long way. Knowing how to use it will lift your portraits right away.

Preparing for the golden hour

A good golden hour shoot begins before the sun gets low. Check the sunset time, pick your location in advance, and arrive early to test the light. Even a simple park or street corner can look special when the light is right, so you do not need a fancy location.

• Check the sunset time the day before

• Arrive 30 minutes early to scout the spot

• Bring a reflector to bounce warm light back

• Keep your lens clean to avoid flare marks

Placing your subject in the light

Put the sun behind or beside your subject to create a soft rim of light around the hair and shoulders. Then use a reflector or a light wall to open up the face so it does not fall into shadow. Try a few angles and watch how the glow changes with every small step. Shoot early in the window for brighter tones, and stay until the last minutes for deeper, moodier colors. With some practice, you will know exactly where to stand and where to place your subject.