Golden hour portraits
With the sun low behind your subject, hair and shoulders pick up a rim of light and the face sits in soft shade. Shoot in the first half of the window, while the sun is still well above the horizon.
When, where you are
Best for this: golden hour
Allow about 15 minutes before it starts. Adjust for your own walk.
Reminders are set on the home page: pick a lead time, then switch on notifications or subscribe in your calendar.
Bring, and watch for
- Expose for the face and let the background brighten. Check the screen once, then trust it.
- Shoot near the start of the window. As the sun drops, the light fades quickly.
- A white sheet or card held in front lifts the shadows.
Two questions
Front light or backlight?
Front light, with the sun behind you, is easier and gives even colour. Backlight gives the glow but needs care with exposure.
Do I need a proper camera?
No. A phone copes well. Tap the face to set the exposure.
Golden hour, blue hour and magic hour: the definitions · Golden hour calculator for any place and date