Photo Term Series #16: Magic or Golden Hour
The terms “magic hour” and “golden hour” are often used interchangeably, both describing the same lighting phenomenon. The “golden hour” is the hour after sunrise and before sunset when the light is less intense and fittingly golden. At this time sunlight shines through the earths atmosphere at a more acute angle resulting in wavelengths of light, other than red, being scattered at a greater frequency. The net result is redder more golden light making its way to the Earth’s surface. Additionally the acute angle that sunlight falls at this time creates dramatic long shadows for higher contrast imagery and highlights are less intensely lit compared to other times of day.
The “golden hour” is coveted by photographers as the warm light enhances a variety of subjects from landscapes to portraits to cityscapes.
Curious about the impact of smoke, pollution and/or clouds on the “golden hour”? Then I recommend reading The Colors Of Twilight And Sunset by Stephen F.Corfidi
An example of “golden hour” light falling on the Marin foothills in California.
More of the Photo Term Series
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[...] (via JMG-Galleries) [...]
[...] The answer… great lighting. Great lighting is the key to high impact photography. Even the most mundane subject will look amazing with the right lighting to paraphrase Gary Crabbe from my EXIF and Beyond interview. When is the lighting best you ask? For outdoor photography the lighting is best during the “Golden Hour” when the light is warmer and less intense. This is especially true for landscape and nature photography. [...]
Great link Jim – thanks for sharing it. Your post reminds me of a great podcast I wrote about awhile back; http://grafphoto.com/wordpress/2006/05/13/thinking-about-twilight/
and how proper planning for when this golden light occurs can be can be crucial.
Your linked article also provides some good explanation about how time of year and temperatures can impact the quality of light as well.
[Reply]
@Mark glad the link was of use. I’ll definitely take a closer look at your post and give the podcast a listen. The more information the better. Thanks for the link.
[Reply]
[...] a subject is challenging, so too is finding lighting conducive to taking dramatic photographs. The Golden Hour is always referenced as a great time to take photos, but its not the only time to take photos with [...]
[...] Unfortunately you don’t know how much longer the trail is and the light is approaching the magic hour. To your left is a small trail leading off the main path to a lake you can see. You could make it [...]