Golden Hour, also known as Magic Hour, is a term used in photography and cinematography to describe the period of time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the natural light is soft, warm, and diffused. During this time, the sun is close to the horizon, and its light has to travel through more of the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a warm, golden glow that is highly sought after by photographers and filmmakers alike. The duration of the Golden Hour varies depending on the time of year, the location, and the weather conditions, but it typically lasts for around an hour, hence the name. The quality of the light during the Golden Hour is unique, with a warm hue, soft shadows, and a low-contrast, which can add depth, dimension, and texture to photographs and films. The Golden Hour is a popular time for outdoor photography and filming, as it can enhance the beauty of landscapes, architecture, and people. The soft, warm light can make skin tones look more flattering, and the low-contrast can help to bring out the details in the shadows and highlights. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the Golden Hour also has practical benefits for photographers and filmmakers. The soft, warm light can reduce the need for artificial lighting, and the low-contrast can make it easier to capture a wider range of tones without losing detail. Overall, the Golden Hour is a magical time for photographers and filmmakers, offering a unique and beautiful quality of light that can enhance the beauty of any subject.
Golden Hour, Magic Hour, photography, cinematography, natural light
Golden Hour is a phenomenon that occurs shortly before and shortly after sunrise, and shortly before and shortly after sunset during which the light of the sky is of a warm hue, with a high color temperature and low contrast. Noted photographers such as Ansel Adams, Arnold Newman, and Edward Weston took advantage of the unique, soft lighting of the golden hour and produced some of their most iconic works.
Photography, Sunlight, Sunrise, Sunset, Landscape, Color Temperature, Light, Warm Hues, Low Contrast, Ansel Adams, Arnold Newman, Edward Weston
CITATION : "Olga Ivanova. 'Golden Hour.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=209120 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
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