If one is aware of photography terminologies, he/she must have heard about the golden hour. Experienced photographers around the world consider it the best time to click pictures. When photographers around the globe are asked to value the golden hour meaning, each one of them considers it as the magical hour in photography.
What is referred to as the golden hour?
It is referred to as the short time frame immediately after sunrise and again before sunset. This is the one-hour time when the air has a flattering golden hue, considered ideal for capturing everything from portraits to landscapes. Since the sun is low in the sky and is diffused, the photographer won’t get harsh shadows like noon during golden hours. Similarly, before the sunset, the sun is low on the horizon, the light is long, directional, with soft shadows. The soft dimensional light creates an effect that is not found at any other time of the day.
When is the golden hour precisely?
The golden hour differs depending on the location, weather, and time of the year. Several photography enthusiasts use the online golden hour calculator to determine the accurate time. One of the easiest ways to find out the golden hour is to check the timing for local sunrise, and sunset. The general rule of the golden hour is that it stays for an hour after sunrise, and an hour before sunset. The golden hour takes place twice every day, but it is not enough time for photography. One has to follow certain tips beforehand.
Planning beforehand
Since the golden hour is a short time to shoot, planning can be beneficial. Picking up a location, reaching early, and setting up the camera are some important aspects to consider. To capture pictures during golden hour, it means one has to set the camera in the dark morning. There won’t be adequate time to travel to different locations and then fix one. It is better to visit the shortlisted locations a couple of days before and select one particular for photoshoots.
Setting the white balance
Setting the camera to AWB (Auto White Balance) makes up for the beautiful warm tones that the photographer is specifically aiming for. But there is also a chance that the images will come up more blue than desired. Therefore, it is a good idea to shoot pictures in a manual setting for white balance. Beginners can start setting the white balance to either cloudy to shade and get hold of the beautiful golden hues. The golden hour meaning holds high importance in photography, thereby white balance setup is vital.
Playing with shadows
When a photographer includes sunlight, it is necessary to have control over the shadows. It is recommended to position the subject in a way that light doesn’t impact the way it appears. The vertical lights must be avoided coming from above the subject. This creates an ugly shadow on the face of the model or subject. Raccoon Eye is the most common problem that creates shadows that appears like dark circles. The beauty of the picture gets disturbed, thereby it is vital to ensure that the light comes from a lower angle without casting ugly shadows.
Conclusion
Photographers around the world value the golden hour meaning. Several experienced photographers swear by the hour to capture images. The golden lighting hues are what the photographers desire in their portraits and landscapes.
