Golden sunset over calm ocean beach with dramatic clouds and warm reflections on wet sand.

 

Sooooooo....

 

what the heck is golden hour??

Golden hour is basically nature turning on the good lighting for us.


It happens shortly after sunrise and again right before sunset, when the sun hangs low in the sky and everything gets a little softer, warmer and dreamier. Instead of the bright, overhead light you get in the middle of the day, golden hour gives us glowy skin, long funky shadows, warm colors, hazy backlight and the occasional holy crap, LOOK AT THAT LIGHT moment.


From a photographer’s perspective, it’s one of my favorite times to play. We can shoot straight into the sunshine for that hazy, romantic glow, turn around for rich golden light on your faces, chase some dramatic shadows or make you a tiny little silhouette against a giant colorful sky. It gives us options—and lots of them.

The catch? Golden hour waits for no one. The really juicy light can sometimes last only a few minutes, so timing matters. That’s why I might suddenly get very excited, drag you into a patch of weeds and yell something along the lines of “TRUST ME, THE LIGHT IS SO GOOD RIGHT NOW.”


And not every golden hour is the same! Some days, you might get a completely clear sky that allows the powerful rays to hit you at full power...other times, there are lots of clouds for the sun to bounce off of and you end up with trails of cotton candy goodness. OR, there could be overcast, which means you might not see the "typical golden hour" rays of gold. You'd might be surprised, though! At the last minute, the hot sun can poke out for 5 minutes of foggy, golden goodness. Don't fret...whatever the early morning or late evening brings, we can work with to make something completely unique and special TO YOU.

OH! And what about this "blue hour" thing???

Blue hour is that dreamy little pocket of time after sunset when everything turns cool, deep and a little moodier. We can keep things soft and romantic with the natural dusk, play with silhouettes against a deep blue sky, or bring in flash, headlights, street lamps and other artificial light for something punchy, cinematic and a little weird. Mixing warm light with those cool blue tones creates so much color, contrast and drama—perfect for dreamy movement, grainy moments and images that feel like a scene from a movie.

 

Check out some examples of golden hour *magic* below:

 

A woman in a green dress holds a smiling toddler in pink glasses outdoors near tall grasses.
Romantic couple silhouetted against golden sunset by waterfront with city skyline in background.
Couple embracing and kissing in front of a glass greenhouse surrounded by colorful red and yellow flowers.
Black and white photo of a couple walking down a narrow alley sharing a clear umbrella on a rainy day.
A couple shares a romantic moment outdoors, embracing near a brick wall with lush greenery in warm sunlight.
A couple shares a romantic moment in front of a glass greenhouse, woman in white dress gazing up at her partner.
Woman in orange pants and floral top posing outdoors, reflected in a mirrored surface with city buildings behind her.
Happy family of four posing by a lake, mom in white dress, dad holding baby, daughter in pink dress.
Smiling Black woman in beige trench coat stands in open grassy field with trees in background on cloudy day.
Indoor wedding ceremony with guests seated, couple at floral arch, large windows with autumn trees backdrop.
Autumn tree with golden yellow leaves against a pale sky, dark branches creating contrast in fall foliage.
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss outdoors in front of an elegant venue, bride holding a red and white bouquet.
Young woman with long blonde hair wearing layered gold necklaces and black top poses against dark wall.
Golden sunset over calm ocean waves with dramatic clouds and sandy beach shoreline at dusk.
Autumn trees with golden foliage reflecting on a calm lake under a blue sky in a serene park landscape.
Sandy beach at golden sunset with tire tracks, sparse grass, and dense evergreen forest under a dramatic twilight sky.
Young girl in floral crown and tutu dress poses with arms crossed before a monarch butterfly mural.
Two people holding hands across a metal table in warm dim lighting, wearing casual denim and plaid shirts.
Bride and groom exchange vows under floral arch with officiant at indoor wedding ceremony.
Vintage clock adorned with greenery hangs in a brick alley with festive floral garlands and warm pendant lights.
Serene beach sunset with golden orange sky reflecting on calm ocean waters, with distant marker buoys on the horizon.
A father joyfully lifts his baby into the air on a sunny beach with ocean waves in the background.
Gucci luxury retail store exterior with green facade, large display windows, and shoppers on a rainy city street.
Bride in floral gown and groom in vest embrace against graffiti wall in urban wedding photo.
Smiling Black woman with curly red hair poses in a beige trench coat in a grassy field.
Profile portrait of a blonde woman wearing layered gold necklaces and black top against a dark gray background.
Couple pressing hands together at sunset showing engagement ring with sparkling diamond near waterfront.
Family of three walking hand-in-hand along a sunny lakeside path surrounded by lush greenery.
Couple kissing in elegant attire, woman in green dress, man in gray suit, holding umbrella by yellow curtains.
A young boy in a gray outfit walks barefoot on a sandy beach with calm blue ocean waters in the background.
Wooden boardwalk with white railing leading to rocky ocean coastline with waves crashing against boulders.
Close-up of wedding couple feet, bride in white gown with heels, groom in black suit and dress shoes on concrete.
Young boy playing with sand outdoors, letting it fall through his hands near rocks and green vegetation.
Autumn fallen leaves covering grass ground in shades of brown and orange during fall season.
Woman in floral crop top and orange maxi skirt posing outdoors near lush greenery and a white building.
Young girl in pink dress and sandals holding a purse, standing by a lake on a sunny day.
Red brick Eastern Market building with arched entrance and covered outdoor stalls under clear blue sky in Washington DC.
Couple kissing in sunlit orchard pathway surrounded by lush green trees with golden backlight.
A couple shares a tender moment, man kissing woman's cheek near a modern sculpture outdoors.
Woman in black graphic t-shirt shielding eyes from sun against red brick wall.
Couple in formal attire embracing by a window near a Pool Town art piece in an elegant hotel corridor.
Family of four posing in front of a large historic building on a sunny day, with two young children playing nearby.
Young woman in strapless top and white capris poses barefoot in urban alleyway with colorful graffiti walls.
Dramatic cumulus clouds illuminated by golden sunset light tower over suburban rooftops against a moody gray sky.
Couple holding hands while walking on a brick path in autumn, wearing casual sweaters and jeans.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand on green grass outdoors on their wedding day in sunny weather.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss under glowing marquee lights outside a city venue at night, woman in red dress.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss outdoors at night under warm string lights on a rooftop.
A couple embraces tenderly on a rooftop with a cloudy city skyline backdrop, the woman in a red top hugging the man.
A joyful little girl in a white tutu dress and red boots runs across a green lawn with autumn foliage in the background.
Couple walking hand in hand down a sunlit garden path surrounded by lush green foliage, backlit by warm golden sunlight.
Couple walking under a clear umbrella on a rooftop, woman in red coat, man in black blazer, smiling at each other.
Two grooms in dark suits with boutonnieres stand smiling on a gravel path surrounded by autumn trees.
Bride holding a wedding bouquet of red and white flowers with lace ribbon, wearing an engagement ring and white lace gown.
Bridesmaid in burgundy dress adjusting bride's white wedding gown while groomsmen stand nearby holding bouquet.
Couple smiling and holding a Love newspaper outdoors near a greenhouse at dusk.
Passengers visible through rearview mirror of a vintage orange school bus interior.
Young redhead girl smiling in white lace tulle flower girl dress with bow, standing outdoors among green bushes.
Family walking up steps to the Detroit Institute of Arts museum entrance with grand arched windows.
Young boy sitting on a blanket on sandy beach surrounded by rocks and green trees on a sunny day.
Sandy beach with rocky cliffs, lush greenery, and tall palm trees against a clear blue sky.
Woman in red pants poses on stone steps outside a white building with arched columns on a sunny day.
Sunlight reflecting on calm lake water with city skyline silhouette and dramatic cloudy sky in background.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss against a brick wall, bride in backless white gown, groom in black suit.
People wading in sunlit ocean waves on a bright beach day with glowing horizon and scattered clouds.
Colorful street art mural with red, blue, and white geometric shapes on a brick building corner in an urban alley.
Father joyfully lifts laughing son at the beach with ocean waves and blue sky in the background.
Couple kissing outdoors while showing off engagement ring with diamond solitaire, both wearing leather jackets.
Couple exchanging vows in front of a grand glass greenhouse botanical garden with lush greenery and iron gates.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss at dusk in a park, surrounded by trees with a pink sunset sky backdrop.
Gucci store on a rainy street corner with yellow traffic lights and a classic white and green building facade.
A couple shares a romantic kiss on a rooftop at sunset with a stunning urban skyline backdrop.
Wedding guests smiling and celebrating inside a trolley decorated with a Just Married banner.
Couple embracing romantically on an empty rooftop parking lot with urban city buildings in the background.
Two happy children laughing on a black park bench surrounded by lush green gardens on a sunny day.
A woman in a black outfit stands confidently in an abandoned industrial building with rusted metal walls and concrete columns.
Couple kissing under clear umbrella in rainy brick alley with vintage clock and hanging florals.
Family of four poses outdoors in fall, mom holding baby upside down, dad with toddler on shoulders, autumn foliage background.
Black and white photo of two people walking on a sunlit path, casting long shadows, with trees and a lamppost in the background.
Happy family of four laughing outdoors near water, parents holding two young children on a bright sunny day.
A woman crouches down to hug a young child near ornamental grasses in a sunny urban park setting.
A smiling couple shares a romantic moment, man in gray suit whispering to laughing woman in green dress by a window.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand along scenic riverside path with fall foliage reflections.
Couple in elegant attire sharing a romantic moment in front of a colorful floral backdrop.
Pregnant woman in white polka dot dress cradling baby bump outdoors in natural field setting.
A young girl in a white dress runs across a green field holding flowers at golden hour sunset.
Colorful street art mural of a woman's face painted on the corner of a red brick building against a blue sky.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing in front of a graffiti-covered wall and metal shutter.
Gentle ocean waves washing onto a sandy beach shore with white sea foam and rippling blue-gray water.
Close-up of rippled red-orange desert sand with small rocks and debris scattered across the textured surface at sunset.
Bride in white gown and veil standing on bridge overlooking scenic autumn river landscape.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss beside a colorful graffiti wall outdoors in autumn.
Glass dome greenhouse conservatory with iron gate, pond, and colorful flowers under cloudy sky.
A blonde woman in a white dress hugs her young daughter in a pink dress near a serene lake outdoors.
Couple sharing a romantic moment outdoors in golden sunset light, surrounded by autumn foliage in a park setting.
Young Black woman in orange midi skirt and floral crop top poses by a large tree on a sunny day.
A couple poses at sunset near iron gates, woman in white dress and man in khaki pants, with dramatic cloudy sky backdrop.
Bride and groom hold hands during wedding ceremony while officiant stands before them at decorated altar.
Woman in beige coat standing in a field with arms crossed, backlit by golden sunlight on a cloudy day.
Woman photographing a colorful street mural honoring Grace Lee Boggs on a brick wall.
A flock of birds flying in V-formation against a blue sky with soft white clouds.
Man in dark green shirt and black cap sits on sandy beach gazing at ocean waves during golden hour.
Young Black woman with braids wearing floral crop top and orange skirt, posing outdoors near urban fountain.
Dark brick building exterior with string lights and a glowing lamp against a cloudy sky, featuring a large mural.
Young Black woman with braided hair, eyes closed, wearing floral swimsuit and gold earrings, posed thoughtfully outdoors.
Bride in white gown and groom in black tuxedo walk hand-in-hand past a gray brick wall.
A bride and groom dance on a rooftop parking lot at sunset, with the bride in a white gown smiling joyfully.
Bride and groom share first look moment under rustic wooden pergola surrounded by autumn foliage.
A woman in an orange skirt and floral top leans against a large tree in a park near a classic white building.
Family of three enjoying a beach day, parents swinging their smiling son between them on a sandy shore.
Couple silhouetted against golden sunset by waterfront, sharing a romantic moment with city skyline in background.
A bride in a floral white dress holds a bouquet as a groom in a vest embraces her against a graffiti wall.
Urban street scene with colorful murals on brick buildings, including a farmers market sign, under a clear blue sky.
Woman in floral top and white pants crouching in lush green grass, hands framing her face, wearing red bracelets.
City skyline at dusk with dramatic clouds, featuring a tall historic tower and various buildings bathed in warm sunset light.
Wedding party poses outdoors, groomsmen in navy suits and bridesmaids in burgundy gowns flanking bride and groom in forest setting.
Bride and groom hold hands smiling before a colorful brick wall mural on their wedding day.
Couple lying on a blanket in a park, sharing a romantic moment outdoors on a sunny autumn day.
Bride and groom standing on rooftop at sunset, bride holding white roses bouquet, overlooking city skyline.
Dapper bearded groom in navy suit with white rose boutonniere poses by riverside at golden hour.
Bride and groom share first kiss under burgundy draped arch during indoor wedding ceremony.

 

And now for the blue hour special:

 

Couple sharing a romantic kiss at dusk in a wildflower field, surrounded by lush greenery under a twilight sky.
Young woman in white blouse poses dramatically against dark red door with hand raised above her head.
Silhouette of a woman posing gracefully by a large window with a city skyline view in natural light.
Young woman in a light pink fitted dress posing dynamically by a red door marked with number 13.
Couple sitting on grass sharing a romantic moment with a historic tower in the background on a cloudy day.
Young man in a white tee and jacket under blue neon light, wearing a pendant necklace.
Young woman in satin dress and brown jacket poses dramatically with gold luggage cart in moody lighting.
Couple embracing romantically in a lush garden under a glowing street lamp at dusk.
Happy young couple smiling and laughing together outdoors at dusk with city lights in the background.
Young woman in pink blouse sitting on blue velvet chair, resting face in hands near indoor plant.
Woman in cream floral slip dress and brown jacket poses against dark wood wall on checkered floor.
Couple holding hands at dusk under dramatic cloudy sky, wearing casual denim and plaid outfits in an outdoor setting.
Young woman in floral dress and pearl necklace poses by night city window.
A young couple holds hands in front of a glass greenhouse dome at dusk, wearing casual denim and plaid outfits.
Woman in vintage brown leather jacket with gold jewelry poses at table.
Couple sharing a romantic moment in front of a vibrant pink floral installation adorned with sunflowers.
Woman in black athletic wear stretching inside circular metal bike rack sculpture in an outdoor park setting.
Young man with curly hair illuminated by blue neon light at night, wearing a white shirt and necklace.
Young man in white jacket standing on a city street at night with neon lights glowing in the background.
Black and white portrait of a young man standing in darkness, wearing a jacket, with dramatic low-key lighting.
Couple embracing near a street lamp at dusk with dramatic storm clouds and colorful sunset sky in background.
Young woman in brown leather jacket and gold necklace leaning against wooden wall with serious expression.
Woman in golden jacket posing beside a dark wall with glowing amber hexagonal light fixtures.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss in elegant attire before a modern black and white framed artwork.
A young couple shares a romantic moment at dusk in a garden, foreheads touching tenderly.
Young woman in floral dress poses elegantly by city window at night with glowing skyline backdrop.
Young man with curly hair lit by red neon light at night, wearing a white tee and jacket with a pendant necklace.
A young woman stands against a red-lit wall flanked by two glowing wall sconces in warm ambient lighting.
Young man with curly hair wearing a colorful jacket poses near cars in an urban parking garage at night.
Young blonde woman in black mini dress posing near orange construction barriers on urban street.
A young woman in a floral dress and brown jacket sits pensively in a red velvet chair under dramatic lighting.
Couple holding hands outdoors wearing denim jacket and plaid shirt with jeans on green grass background.
Blonde woman in black top leaning against chain-link fence with glowing bulb light, moody urban portrait.
Young woman in brown jacket and floral dress posing inside a golden luggage cart in a dimly lit hotel corridor.
Woman standing beside glowing geometric wall sconces in a dimly lit hexagonal patterned corridor.
Couple walking hand in hand through a park at dusk with a illuminated building in the background.
A young woman in a brown leather jacket and floral dress stands with arms outstretched in a dark elevator.
A couple shares a romantic moment surrounded by lush greenery at dusk in a cinematic outdoor scene.
Woman in golden satin gown poses elegantly inside ornate wooden wardrobe with arched mirror, dramatic moody lighting.
Young person in a green jacket standing outdoors at night with city lights and parked cars in background.
Woman in brown top and floral skirt gazing at her reflection in an ornate gold-framed mirror in elegant room.
Couple holding hands in front of a large glass greenhouse conservatory at dusk, wearing denim and plaid.
Dark urban alley lit by string lights and a glowing globe lamp, with colorful graffiti murals on brick walls at night.
Woman in white robe adjusting long dark hair before an asymmetric mirror in a warmly lit room.
A young couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors at dusk, surrounded by lush greenery and soft bokeh lights.
Aerial view of a neoclassical stone building with green copper roof, surrounded by parked cars on a city street at dusk.
Couple walking through a scenic park at dusk with a riverboat and glowing lights reflecting on the water.
Silhouettes of birds flying in formation against a dramatic cloudy sky at dusk with trees below.
Man in beanie hat standing on urban street at night with colorful light streaks and illuminated storefronts.
Woman in floral skirt and brown jacket draped over a gold luggage rack on a checkered floor.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss at dusk in a wildflower field, surrounded by lush greenery under a twilight sky.
Young woman in white blouse poses dramatically against dark red door with hand raised above her head.
Silhouette of a woman posing gracefully by a large window with a city skyline view in natural light.
Young woman in a light pink fitted dress posing dynamically by a red door marked with number 13.
Couple sitting on grass sharing a romantic moment with a historic tower in the background on a cloudy day.
Young man in a white tee and jacket under blue neon light, wearing a pendant necklace.
Young woman in satin dress and brown jacket poses dramatically with gold luggage cart in moody lighting.
Couple embracing romantically in a lush garden under a glowing street lamp at dusk.
Happy young couple smiling and laughing together outdoors at dusk with city lights in the background.
Young woman in pink blouse sitting on blue velvet chair, resting face in hands near indoor plant.
Woman in cream floral slip dress and brown jacket poses against dark wood wall on checkered floor.
Couple holding hands at dusk under dramatic cloudy sky, wearing casual denim and plaid outfits in an outdoor setting.
Young woman in floral dress and pearl necklace poses by night city window.
A young couple holds hands in front of a glass greenhouse dome at dusk, wearing casual denim and plaid outfits.
Woman in vintage brown leather jacket with gold jewelry poses at table.
Couple sharing a romantic moment in front of a vibrant pink floral installation adorned with sunflowers.
Woman in black athletic wear stretching inside circular metal bike rack sculpture in an outdoor park setting.
Young man with curly hair illuminated by blue neon light at night, wearing a white shirt and necklace.
Young man in white jacket standing on a city street at night with neon lights glowing in the background.
Black and white portrait of a young man standing in darkness, wearing a jacket, with dramatic low-key lighting.
Couple embracing near a street lamp at dusk with dramatic storm clouds and colorful sunset sky in background.
Young woman in brown leather jacket and gold necklace leaning against wooden wall with serious expression.
Woman in golden jacket posing beside a dark wall with glowing amber hexagonal light fixtures.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss in elegant attire before a modern black and white framed artwork.
A young couple shares a romantic moment at dusk in a garden, foreheads touching tenderly.
Young woman in floral dress poses elegantly by city window at night with glowing skyline backdrop.
Young man with curly hair lit by red neon light at night, wearing a white tee and jacket with a pendant necklace.
A young woman stands against a red-lit wall flanked by two glowing wall sconces in warm ambient lighting.
Young man with curly hair wearing a colorful jacket poses near cars in an urban parking garage at night.
Young blonde woman in black mini dress posing near orange construction barriers on urban street.
A young woman in a floral dress and brown jacket sits pensively in a red velvet chair under dramatic lighting.
Couple holding hands outdoors wearing denim jacket and plaid shirt with jeans on green grass background.
Blonde woman in black top leaning against chain-link fence with glowing bulb light, moody urban portrait.
Young woman in brown jacket and floral dress posing inside a golden luggage cart in a dimly lit hotel corridor.
Woman standing beside glowing geometric wall sconces in a dimly lit hexagonal patterned corridor.
Couple walking hand in hand through a park at dusk with a illuminated building in the background.
A young woman in a brown leather jacket and floral dress stands with arms outstretched in a dark elevator.
A couple shares a romantic moment surrounded by lush greenery at dusk in a cinematic outdoor scene.
Woman in golden satin gown poses elegantly inside ornate wooden wardrobe with arched mirror, dramatic moody lighting.
Young person in a green jacket standing outdoors at night with city lights and parked cars in background.
Woman in brown top and floral skirt gazing at her reflection in an ornate gold-framed mirror in elegant room.
Couple holding hands in front of a large glass greenhouse conservatory at dusk, wearing denim and plaid.
Dark urban alley lit by string lights and a glowing globe lamp, with colorful graffiti murals on brick walls at night.
Woman in white robe adjusting long dark hair before an asymmetric mirror in a warmly lit room.
A young couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors at dusk, surrounded by lush greenery and soft bokeh lights.
Aerial view of a neoclassical stone building with green copper roof, surrounded by parked cars on a city street at dusk.
Couple walking through a scenic park at dusk with a riverboat and glowing lights reflecting on the water.
Silhouettes of birds flying in formation against a dramatic cloudy sky at dusk with trees below.
Man in beanie hat standing on urban street at night with colorful light streaks and illuminated storefronts.
Woman in floral skirt and brown jacket draped over a gold luggage rack on a checkered floor.

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@julialynnphotog