Scientific Definition
Golden hour occurs when the sun is between 6° above and 6° below the horizon. During this time, sunlight travels through more of the Earth's atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate.
Photographic Characteristics
- Warm, soft, golden light
- Long shadows and gentle contrast
- Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes
Timeframe
Approximately 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset, depending on your location and season.
📸 Photo Tips
- Use a lens hood to reduce lens flare.
- Try backlighting your subject for a glowing effect.
- Use manual white balance to enhance warm tones.