Golden Hour Calculator

Calculate perfect golden hour times for stunning photography. Our golden hour calculator provides precise timing for that magical warm, soft light photographers love.

What is Golden Hour?

Golden hour, also known as "magic hour," occurs when the sun is low on the horizon, creating warm, soft, and diffused light that's perfect for photography. This happens:

  • Morning Golden Hour: Shortly after sunrise
  • Evening Golden Hour: Before sunset
  • Duration: Typically 1-2 hours depending on location and season

Why Golden Hour is Perfect for Photography

Golden hour light offers unique advantages:

  • Warm color temperature - Creates appealing skin tones
  • Soft shadows - Reduces harsh contrast
  • Even lighting - Natural diffusion from atmosphere
  • Dramatic backgrounds - Beautiful sky colors
  • Rim lighting - Creates stunning silhouettes

Professional Photography Applications

Golden hour is essential for:

  • Portrait Photography - Flattering natural light
  • Wedding Photography - Romantic, warm atmosphere
  • Landscape Photography - Enhanced colors and textures
  • Architecture Photography - Warm building facades
  • Street Photography - Atmospheric urban scenes

Advanced Golden Hour Features

Alpenglow's golden hour calculator includes:

  • Precise timing - Exact start and end times
  • Quality forecasts - Predicts light quality conditions
  • Weather integration - Accounts for cloud cover
  • Multi-location support - Plan shoots anywhere
  • Notifications - Never miss perfect light again

Pro Tip

Golden hour duration varies by season and latitude. Use Alpenglow's calculator to get precise timing for your specific location and date.

Golden Hour Photography Tips

  • Position subjects between camera and sun for rim lighting
  • Use reflectors to fill shadows when needed
  • Shoot in RAW format to capture full dynamic range
  • Experiment with both front-lit and back-lit compositions
  • Consider the background - golden hour enhances everything

Read more photography tips on our blog →

Download Alpenglow to checkyour Quality Forecast.

Download on the App Store
Download on the Mac App Store
Download on the Play Store
Show it on TRMNL