If you've ever wondered why photographers are obsessed with "golden hour," you're about to find out. The right timing can be the difference between good photos and absolutely magical ones.
What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. During this time, sunlight travels through more of the atmosphere, creating that warm, golden glow that makes everything look dreamy.
In Milwaukee, golden hour timing varies throughout the year. In summer, it might be around 7-8pm. In winter, it could be as early as 4pm. I always check the exact timing for your session date and plan accordingly.
Why Does Golden Hour Light Look So Good?
The magic of golden hour comes down to a few key factors:
- Soft, diffused light: The low angle means light wraps around subjects rather than creating harsh shadows
- Warm tones: The golden color is universally flattering to all skin tones
- Backlight possibilities: Shooting into the sun creates beautiful rim light and dreamy sun flares
- Even exposure: The dimmer light reduces contrast between highlights and shadows
What About Midday Sessions?
Midday sun (roughly 10am-4pm) creates harsh, overhead light that can cause unflattering shadows under eyes, strong contrast, and squinting. If a midday session is unavoidable, I look for open shade—areas where you're shielded from direct sun but still have good light.
That said, midday can work beautifully in certain situations: overcast days (nature's softbox!), indoor sessions with good window light, or shaded locations like dense tree coverage.
Blue Hour: The Other Magic Time
Just after golden hour comes "blue hour"—the brief period when the sun has set but the sky still holds color. This creates a moody, romantic atmosphere that's perfect for dramatic photos. It's shorter than golden hour, so we have to work quickly, but the results can be stunning.
How Weather Affects Timing
Overcast days: Actually great for photos! The clouds act as a giant diffuser, creating soft, even light all day long. We have more flexibility with timing on cloudy days.
Partly cloudy: Can create dramatic skies and interesting light patterns. We watch the clouds and work with the changing conditions.
Rain: We reschedule if it's actively raining, but right after rain can be magical—the wet surfaces reflect light beautifully and the air is often clearer.
Tips for Your Golden Hour Session
- Arrive early: We'll start a bit before golden hour so we're in position when the light gets perfect
- Be flexible: Light changes quickly during this time, so we may move locations or angles as needed
- Trust the process: It might look too dark to your eyes, but cameras see it beautifully
- Bring layers: Evening sessions can get cool, especially near the water