Can anyone look bad at Golden Hour? I doubt it! After all, it’s the only hour with a natural filter, a filter that makes you appear beautiful and radiant. Not only is it an Instagram baddies photography style of choice, but it’s also favored by many professional photographers because it’s easy to capture those idyllic moments and amplify your natural beauty. And if you want to get the best of Golden Hour, there’s no better time to do it than in spring.
If you’re able to do so, scheduling a session with a senior portrait photographer for Golden Hour will be the best decision you’ll make this spring!
When Is Golden Hour?
Golden Hour is the first hour after sunrise or the hour preceding sunset. At this time the sun’s rays diffuse into this bright golden hue, that’s redder than any other time of day. The easiest way to find out when Golden Hour is to use a weather app and check out when sunrise is and when sunset is.
When photographing in this light your tone appears more golden, which essentially highlights all your best features.
Of course, this hour has been popularized on social media, as there isn't an influencer in existence who doesn’t have a golden hour picture. The best part about Golden Hour is that these pictures are classic, and when taken by a professional there’s no way you won’t look perfect.
To get the best of your golden hour picture follow these 3 tips –
1. Check The Dates/Times When You Want To Schedule Your Golden Hour Photoshoot
Spring is going to be the best time to take golden hour senior portraits. The sun doesn’t set as early as winter or fall, and it’s not as harsh as summer. You also have a longer golden hour with brighter light but a softer hue overall. That said, you’d want to check the days and times in spring to ensure you’re getting the best of Golden Hour.
Tip: Try to schedule your appointment for mid-spring if you want to get the best of Golden Hour.
2. Wear Colors That Catch The Light
The only color that’s a definite no-no at Golden Hour, believe it or not, is gold. However, gold isn’t the only color you should avoid wearing at that hour. Blacks, grays, and other darker hues don’t capture the romantic flair and ambiance of Golden Hour as much as lighter colors do And don’t allow the light to truly flatter you. If you’re looking for an easy solution white is probably one of the best options for Golden Hour as well as any pastel or natural tone color.
Tip: Choose pastel tones that compliment your eyes and skin tone.
3. Keep Things Simple
Don’t get tempted to go overboard just because you can. At that hour the best thing you can do is keep your outfit and makeup simple, to allow the natural filter of Golden Hour to enhance your look.
Tip: Keep your outfit simple. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt will do, or a lovely dress; and girls can wear their hair down to create that fairy-tale look.
Golden Hour isn’t just for romantic, fairy-tale inspired senior portraits. If you’re looking for something rugged or rustic golden hour is the perfect time to take those sorts of pictures as well. In fact, I can’t think of any time of day that's as versatile as Golden Hour!
