Quick answer: Golden hour photography tips: timing, backlit portraits, rim light, flare, silhouettes, landscapes and exposure settings for warm, glowing light.
The golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, gives light that is warm, soft and low. It flatters faces, adds depth to landscapes and turns ordinary scenes into something magical.
When is golden hour?
Roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, though it varies with season and weather. Use a sun-tracking app to plan, and arrive early.
Golden hour portraits
Backlight
Place the sun behind your subject for glowing hair and a soft halo.
- Expose for the face (add +1 to +2 exposure compensation)
- Use a reflector to bounce light back into the face
- Use a lens hood, or embrace flare creatively
Side light
Side light at golden hour reveals texture and shape while staying soft.
Front light
Warm, even light with gentle shadows. Watch for squinting as the sun gets low.
Silhouettes
Expose for the bright sky and let your subject go dark. Clear outlines and gestures work best.
Landscapes
- Long shadows add depth and texture
- Side light reveals hills, waves and fields
- Shoot towards the light for dramatic skies
- Use graduated filters or exposure bracketing for high contrast
Settings to start with
| Situation | Settings |
| Backlit portrait | f/2–f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 100–400, +1 EV |
| Landscape | f/8–f/11, tripod, ISO 100 |
| Silhouette | Expose for sky, fast shutter |
White balance
Auto white balance can neutralise the golden warmth. Try the daylight or cloudy preset, or warm it in RAW editing.
Blue hour
Don't pack up after sunset. The blue hour gives even, cool light that's perfect for city lights and architecture.
Golden hour around Kolkata
Riverside spots like the ghats along the Hooghly, Prinsep Ghat, Dakshineswar, Belur and Bandel offer wonderful golden hour views across the water.
Learn to read light outdoors
RAP Education's travel and landscape masterclass and photography programs include outdoor sessions at golden hour, where mentors teach exposure and composition in changing light.
Frequently asked questions
What is golden hour in photography?
The period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when light is warm, soft and low.
What settings should I use at golden hour?
For portraits, around f/2–f/2.8 and 1/250s with +1 exposure compensation when backlit. For landscapes, f/8–f/11 on a tripod at ISO 100.
How do I photograph backlit portraits?
Put the sun behind the subject, expose for the face, use a reflector and control flare with a lens hood or embrace it.
What is the blue hour?
The period just before sunrise or after sunset when light is cool and even, great for cityscapes.
Why does golden hour light look so good?
The low sun travels through more atmosphere, making light warmer and softer with long, gentle shadows.
How do I take silhouette photos?
Expose for the bright sky so the subject becomes dark, and choose clear outlines.
Where can I shoot golden hour in Kolkata?
Riverside spots such as Prinsep Ghat, the ghats along the Hooghly, Dakshineswar and Belur are popular.
Does RAP Education offer outdoor photography sessions?
Yes. Outdoor sessions, including golden hour shoots, are part of the programs and masterclasses.
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