Why Golden Hour Makes the Best Portraits
If you've ever scrolled through a photography portfolio and stopped on a photo because the light just looked absolutely magical...there's a good chance that photo was taken during golden hour. It's one of those things that photographers talk about constantly and for good reason. Here's what golden hour actually is, why it matters, and why I plan so many of my sessions around it.
So What Exactly Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour happens twice a day...once in the first hour after sunrise and again in the last hour before sunset. During that window the sun sits low on the horizon and the light that comes through has a warm, soft, golden quality to it that you just can't recreate any other time of day.
It's not just pretty...it's scientifically different. The angle of the sun during golden hour means the light travels through more of the earth's atmosphere before it reaches you. That filters out the harsh blue tones and leaves behind warm reds, oranges, and golds. The result is light that is soft, flattering, and just plain gorgeous on people.
Why It's So Good for Portraits
Midday sun is brutal for portrait photography...it creates harsh shadows under the eyes and nose, blows out skin tones, and makes even the most photogenic people squint and look uncomfortable. Golden hour is basically the opposite of all of that.
Here's what golden hour does for your portraits:
It flatters every skin tone...the warm light wraps around faces in a way that is universally beautiful regardless of complexion
It eliminates harsh shadows...soft directional light means clean, even lighting across faces without the raccoon eyes you get at noon
It creates natural warmth...no filter needed, the light does it all on its own
It adds depth and dimension...the low angle of the sun creates beautiful depth in the background and a natural separation between subject and scenery
The backgrounds glow...trees, fields, open sky...everything behind you looks like it's lit from within during golden hour
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Picture this...you're standing in an open field just outside of Carl Junction as the sun starts to drop. The light hits you from the side, wrapping around you in this warm amber glow. The sky behind you is starting to shift colors. Your hair catches the light just right. That's golden hour...and that's the kind of light that turns a good photo into one you'll hang on your wall.
I've shot sessions in every kind of light and I can tell you without hesitation that nothing compares to what happens in that last hour before sunset. It's the reason I build so many of my evening sessions around it.
How We Plan For It
When you book a session with Stewart Kay Photography I always take the time of year and location into account when scheduling. Sunset times change throughout the seasons...a summer golden hour hits much later in the evening than a fall or winter one. I want to make sure we're shooting at exactly the right time to take full advantage of that light.
If you've been on the fence about whether to book a morning or evening session...evening golden hour is almost always my recommendation for portraits. The light is warmer, the temperatures are usually more comfortable, and the whole atmosphere just feels more relaxed as the day winds down.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
There's nothing quite like seeing golden hour light in your own photos for the first time...it's one of those things clients always comment on when they get their gallery back. If you've been thinking about booking a portrait session, let's get you scheduled during that magic window.
Reach out today at stewartkayphotography.com or give me a call at (417) 986-5064...I'd love to create something beautiful with you.
Colby | Stewart Kay Photography | Carl Junction, MO
