ND Grads cut down on this contrast, allowing you to capture the sky and sunset just as they are–popping with color. Without it, your shots could end up looking dull or washed out due to the high contrast between the sky and landscape. It’s essential for any shots of the colorful sky and sunset during the Golden Hour. If it’s cold outside, make sure to dress warmly enough (with gloves), and bring a hot drink! You don’t want to have shivering, numb hands by the end of the shoot.ĭepending on what you’re shooting, you might want to bring along a graduated neutral density filter (ND Grad), too. You may even score some Blue Hour shots if you stay long enough in the evening (or arrive early enough in the morning). Staying longer gives you a wider range of colors and moods to capture.
![golden hour time people golden hour time people](https://jooinn.com/images/silhouette-of-people-on-boat-during-golden-hours.jpg)
Since the light changes constantly from start to finish, you can miss out on spectacular shots if you leave early. If possible, stay at the location and keep shooting until the Golden Hour ends. Then, you won’t be rushed or crowded out by other photographers and tourists. If it’s a popular or touristy spot, give yourself even more time. Likewise, try to arrive at the photo shoot location well before the Golden Hour begins. Don’t assume that the Golden Hour will last as long as it’s supposed to. The sun may also dip down into clouds right at the horizon, suddenly stealing away the perfect light.
![golden hour time people golden hour time people](https://images.pexels.com/photos/2935914/pexels-photo-2935914.jpeg)
Keep in mind that the Golden Hour may be cut short if clouds start to roll in. There are several useful online tools for this, such as the Golden Hour calculator. When planning your shoot, start by looking up when the Golden Hour will begin in your area. Otherwise, you could end up wasting time with setting up or scoping out a location. Unless you’re somewhere with a long Golden Hour, like the Antarctic or the Far North, you’ll need to be prepared to shoot as soon as it begins. However, even the Golden Hour can present a few challenges for photographers. You might discover a whole new world that’s a joy to photograph. In fact, if you’re ever frustrated with a certain landscape at noon, try going back around sunset or sunrise. It can completely change the way you experience a scene or subject. In other words, if you need encouragement or an ego boost about your photography, try going out during the Golden Hour. While you can certainly take gorgeous shots at other times of the day, the golden hour makes capturing beauty easy. The powerful effect of the Golden Hour is enough to make photographers change their whole schedule, just to be outside around sunset or sunrise.
![golden hour time people golden hour time people](https://images.pexels.com/photos/3257803/pexels-photo-3257803.jpeg)
For example, in Alaska or Norway, the Golden Hour lasts several hours in both the summer (around midnight) and the winter (all day). In general, the farther you are from the equator, the longer the Golden Hour will be. Depending on the weather, location, and time of year, this effect can be brief or last for a few hours.