About golden hour calculator
Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise and before sunset when light is soft, warm and flattering. Photographers plan portraits and landscapes around it.
Light windows
- Golden hour: the hour or so after sunrise and before sunset.
- Blue hour: just before sunrise and after sunset when the sky turns deep blue.
- Avoid midday sun, which creates harsh shadows.
Plan ahead
Arrive early to set up. Weather, haze and hills change the light, so treat the times as a guide.
A worked example
If sunset is at 6:30 PM, golden hour runs from about 5:30 to 6:30 PM, and the blue hour follows for around 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. Arrive 30 minutes early, set up and take portraits as the light gets warmer.
Photography tips
- Face your subject toward the sun for glowing light, or away for soft side light.
- Use exposure compensation if the sky is bright.
- In India, haze and dust can make the sun look orange earlier and add drama to the sky.
