Journal

February 20, 2026

Why Golden Hour Is My Favorite Time to Shoot

That warm, glowing hour just before sunset isn't just beautiful — it's forgiving, flattering, and magical for couples and families alike.

If you've ever wondered why I tend to schedule sessions for late afternoon, it all comes down to light. Golden hour — the 60 to 90 minutes before sunset — produces the kind of light that makes everything look effortlessly beautiful.

It's warm and directional

At midday, the sun is harsh and directly overhead — it creates unflattering shadows under eyes and noses. Golden hour light comes in at a low angle, wrapping around your subject softly. The warmth adds a glow that's almost impossible to replicate in editing.

It's forgiving

Softer light means fewer harsh shadows, which means the images are more forgiving of movement and imperfect moments. Chasing toddlers, stolen glances, happy chaos — it all looks incredible in golden light.

It creates depth and dimension

Backlit sessions — where the sun sits behind your subjects — create a beautiful rim of light around hair and shoulders. It separates your subject from the background and creates that dreamy, glowing quality you see in a lot of my work.

When you book with me, I'll always schedule your session time based on sunset for that specific date and location — so you get the best light possible without having to think about it.