I totally believe in the golden hour rule! If you’ve ever planned or taken outdoor photos, you have probably heard of the golden hour! I consider the golden hour the two hours following sunrise and the two hours just before sunset! These are definitely my favorite times of the day to photograph outdoor portraits! Here’s why!

When the sunrises first thing in the morning, it takes it awhile to get really high in the sky! During this time, the light is softer! It’s much easier to place the sun behind my couples, which is what I love doing when I can! The same goes for sunset! Just before the sun goes down for the day, the lighting is perfect! Plus anytime you can catch that golden bit of sunset, it is just magical! Let’s look at some examples!

In the photo below of Kelly, we were on campus at UNC Chapel Hill for her senior portraits. The sun had started setting a little behind her, but you can still see that gorgeous light in her hair and on her back!

With Jasmin and Jon, I placed the sun behind them. This photo was probably about 2 hours before the official sunset time. You can see that gorgeous lighting in her hair in both photos!

 

In the photo below, we placed Allison and her girls on the side of the wall and the sun was setting directly behind them! Even on wedding days, I try to get outside during golden hour for portraits! Sometimes it’s not possible but when it is, it’s amazing!

Whitney and Chuck were my brave sunrise couple a few weeks ago in Charlotte! We met at 7 a.m. for portraits on the lake and the sunrise was perfect. Plus we were able to enjoy a cool breeze beside the lake and avoid the rain storm that happened later in the day!

Veronica and Quintin’s sunset session was magic in Chapel Hill. As we were walking, I noticed the light in this spot and asked them to stop! I love that light in her hair!