Golden Hour Magic: Why It Makes Every Shot Pop (No Matter What Camera You Use)

There’s a reason photographers call it the “golden” hour—it really is that magical. Whether you’re shooting with a high-end DSLR, a mirrorless workhorse, or just your phone, the light during this short window can elevate your photos instantly. We’ve seen it over and over again—this is the time of day when even an ordinary scene becomes cinematic.

What Is the Golden Hour?

Golden hour happens twice a day: just after sunrise and just before sunset. It’s that stretch of time when the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm, diffused light that makes everything glow. Unlike the harsh shadows and blown-out highlights you get at high noon, golden hour light is soft, directional, and flattering—for landscapes, portraits, and everything in between.

Why Colours Pop

It’s all about the angle and quality of light. When the sun is low, its rays travel through more of the atmosphere, scattering the blue light and letting those rich, warm tones shine through. That’s why you’ll see deeper reds, vibrant oranges, and golden highlights—all without cranking up your saturation in post.

Skin tones? Flawless. Blue skies? Softer and warmer. Greens? Rich and velvety. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by how dull your images looked, shoot the same scene during golden hour and you’ll notice an instant transformation.

It Doesn’t Matter What Camera You Use

This is the best part. You don’t need the latest gear to take stunning golden hour shots. Your phone camera, with its automatic settings, will thrive in this light. Older DSLRs? No problem. The light does the heavy lifting.

We've shot with everything from pro gear to a beat-up smartphone, and golden hour consistently delivers results that make people go, “Wow, what did you shoot that with?” The secret isn’t the gear—it’s the timing.

Tips for Making the Most of Golden Hour

• Arrive Early: Golden hour moves fast. Depending on the time of year, it can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Be ready and set up before the light peaks.

• Use Backlight for Glow: Position your subject with the sun behind them to get that dreamy, halo-like glow.

• Shoot Wide Open: If you have control over your aperture, shoot wide (f/1.8 – f/2.8) for beautiful depth of field and light flares.

• Look for Textures: The soft shadows during golden hour bring out textures beautifully—whether it’s in architecture, landscapes, or skin.

• Stay After Sunset: The light doesn’t disappear the moment the sun dips—blue hour follows, and it’s equally magical in a cooler, moodier way.

Whether you’re out with your pro kit or just wandering with your phone, golden hour is one of the simplest ways to capture stunning, natural images. It’s proof that good light can beat good gear—and it’s available to all of us, twice a day.

So go chase that light. Your photos will thank you for it.

Engagement Session shot on a golden hour