THE ‘GOLDEN HOUR’
WHAT IS THE ‘GOLDEN HOUR’ AND HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF IT?
soft light
Think back to summer evenings full of sunshine – maybe you were on a beach one time, or walking in the countryside and the light just turned really golden. It happens before the sun sets: you’ll notice your shadows are really long and the sun’s low, close to the horizon – and everything’s bathed in golden light. This is the beauty of golden hour, and it’s one of our favourite things.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GOLDEN HOUR?
The golden hour we talk about in the context of weddings is the hour just before sunset – when the sun is low in the sky in the evening, before it begins to set. (There’s also a golden hour just after sunrise, so you might catch that one if you’re an early bird – but probably not on your wedding day!)
If you’re lucky you’ll catch the occasional sunrise golden hour in winter, when the days are shorter and the sun rises at the same time you’re on your way to work.
So how can we get golden hour photos on our wedding day?
Choose the time of year carefully to give yourselves the very best chance of catching magical golden hour light. And ask your photographer about golden hour – it’s a promising sign if they’re happy to advise (and even more promising if they get all excited when you mention golden hour!) Timings are super important too: golden hour is earlier in the winter months, and much later on summer evenings. Once you’re aware of your golden hour time, plan your dinner, speeches and first dance times around it – just in case!
