The Importance of The Golden Hour

“Life is about getting up an hour early to live an hour more.” - Unkown

 

“For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face [..] then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street after dark.” - The Great Gatsby

 

Ahh! If those quotes don't give you #allthefeels, then you haven't experienced the magic of golden hour, sweet friend!

 

You know the one I’m talking about: when the light is like butter, and the air itself is flooded with sunbeams. Everything seems a little more extraordinary as the sun and horizon part for the first time or embrace at the end of a long day.

 

And that’s why I wanted to take a minute to discuss the importance of golden hour with you, in order to suggest one tiny tip to make the most out of your engagement session.

 

Ready for it?

 

Here it is:

 

If given the choice, work with your photographer to schedule your session during golden hour.

 

Even if it’s a little inconvenient.

 

Even if it requires waking up earlier than normal.

 

Even if it means pushing that celebratory we-made-it-through-our-engagement-session dinner back a bit later.

 

Trust me, you won’t regret it! :)
 

6:45 a.m., June, Sunrise Session

 

But, just in case you’re still on the fence...here’s a little more info to prove my adoration for the most perfect time of day.

 

The official definition of golden hour is the "period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky" (Wikipedia.org). However, I like to describe it as that magic glowy look every girl who has ever searched Pinterest knows and loves. :)

 

Golden hour lighting is warmer, it provides a soft glow that smooths skin and brighten eyes, and it is less harsh and contrasty than midday lighting.

 

And, while this magic lighting occurs both at the beginning and end of the day, I am partial to those early morning rays. I don’t know what it is--but there is just something about a sunrise session that makes my heart sing!!

7:15 a.m., April, Sunrise Session

 

Another perk for that early morning golden hour?

 

It may seem obvious, but when you wake up early for a sunrise session, the streets are less crowded. You don’t have to worry about waiting for joggers to get out of the way, and don’t even get me started on the lack of cars and/or buses in the background of your images! Sunrise sessions really are the best time for portraits!

 

To figure out when golden hour will be on your exact date, I recommend googling the following formula: 1) date 2) location and 3) sunrise/sunset time. You can also use a website like sunrisesunset.com to see a whole month at once.

 

And yes, that does mean that if you’re having a summertime engagement session, you’ll be waking up a bit earlier than usual. But I promise you, it’s worth it.

 

Plus, you can always celebrate with some brunch & mimosas once you’re done! And that’s a #winwin in my book! ;)

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Love love love,

Sami

6:45 a.m., July, Sunrise Session

 

*****

Sami is an Indianapolis-based photographer for brides, babies, & small businesses.


 

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