The Secret to Stunning Outdoor Photos: Why I Always Choose Golden Hour

If you’ve ever looked at a photo and thought, “Wow, that looks magical”—soft light, glowing skin, a dreamy warmth you can almost feel—it was probably taken during golden hour.

Golden Hour photo session on Latrigggg

Golden hour session by the lake

Golden Hour family session on Latrigg

Golden hour light

As a photographer, this is hands-down my favorite time of day to shoot. Golden hour is that little slice of magic just after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The light is softer, warmer, and infinitely more flattering than the midday sun. And let me tell you—there’s a reason I try to book most of my outdoor sessions during this time.

Here’s why golden hour light truly is the best:

1. Soft, Flattering Light

Midday sun? Gorgeous for a beach day, not so much for portraits. It’s harsh, it creates squinty eyes, and it can make shadows look a little unkind. Golden hour, though, is the opposite. The sun’s lower angle softens everything, wrapping subjects in gentle, even light. Think of it as nature’s perfect diffuser—it makes skin glow and gives photos that creamy, polished look without heavy editing.

2. Warm, Dreamy Tones

Golden hour bathes everything in rich, honey-toned light. Skin looks sun-kissed, hair catches the light in the prettiest way, and landscapes take on a cinematic glow. It’s the kind of warmth that feels romantic and timeless—like the world itself is leaning in to create the perfect backdrop.

3. Shadows That Tell a Story

Instead of the harsh, short shadows we get at noon, golden hour brings long, soft shadows that add depth and dimension. They frame moments beautifully, whether it’s a couple walking hand in hand or kids running through a field. It’s like the light itself is helping me tell your story.

4. Pure Magic with Backlighting

Want that soft halo of light around your hair? Or leaves that sparkle like they’re dusted with fairy lights? Golden hour makes backlighting shine—literally. When I position my subject between the camera and the sun, it creates a rim of glowing light that feels ethereal. It’s one of my favorite tricks, and golden hour makes it effortless.

5. It Just Feels Good

Here’s the thing: golden hour isn’t just about how photos look—it’s about how the whole experience feels. That time of day has a natural calm to it. The world slows down, the air feels softer, and it sets the mood for relaxed, authentic moments. Clients often tell me they feel different during golden hour sessions—and it shows in their photos.

Why I Recommend It Every Time

Golden hour isn’t just another photography buzzword—it’s my secret for creating images that feel alive, romantic, and timeless. Whether it’s a family session, an engagement shoot, or just capturing everyday moments, golden hour gives us the kind of light you simply can’t replicate.

So, when I suggest scheduling your photos around sunrise or sunset, now you know why. The light is doing half the work—it’s my job to capture the magic. 🌅