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The Golden Hour
The Golden Hour refers to the hour before sunset and after sunrise. Photographers agree that some of the very best times of day to take photos are during these hours.
Dramatic changes in light
During Golden Hours, the atmosphere is often permeated with breathtaking light that adds ambiance, interest and drama to any scene. There can be spectacular variations of colors and hues ranging from subtle to dramatic during the Golden Hours. Even simple subjects take on an added glow.
Take photos when the opportunity presents itself because the lighting changes quickly and then fades away.
Experiment with camera settings
When taking photos with a digital camera during the Golden Hours, experiment using white balance settings other than automatic. Adjusting white balance can change the overall mood of a photo. Also experiment with some of the automatic scene modes built into your camera such as sunrise/sunset and dusk/dawn.
Arrive on the scene early enough to take test shots and adjust settings. When lighting is low, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
Related reading: Photographing the sun - Tips about exposure, ISO and other settings for photographing the sun with a digital camera.
Photos by Gail Bjork