Once for a while I had incredible chance to experience a magic hours for three days as I was away for long weekend by the Cornwell coast. That was so amazing that I decided discuss this in my blog as a part of research for my Landscape theme.
For random people probably its doesn’t mean anything but for photographer, specially Landscape - its everything. Professional photographers know that this is the time of day with the best lighting.
Definition:
In photography the golden hour (sometimes known as magic hour) is the first and last hour of sunlight during the day, when a specific photographic effect is achieved due to the quality of the light.
If there's one thing that can make a good photo image more than any other, it's lighting. You might have the most incredible landscape or stunning portrait model, even the bastes camera possible but without the right quality of light you can still be left with a flat, dull, and uninspiring picture. I know that by experience, when I was away in Wales during the daytime…location was amazing, but light just don’t do it, so I end up fixing and editing images for more or less decant black and whites.
So what’s a stand for meaning Golden Hour?
The golden hour, also called the "magic hour", is roughly the first hour of light after sunrise, and the last hour of light before sunset, although the exact duration varies between seasons. Contrast is less during the Magic Hour, shadows are less dark, and highlights are less likely to be overexposed. The warm color of the low sun enhances the colors of the scene. Lighting effects of it can bring out some of the most unique, interesting and dramatic compositions, which is much more flattering than the harsh midday time that so many of us are used to shooting in.
Shutter Speed: 1/5sec Aperture: F5 ISO: 200
before sunrise near Lizard`s point As an added benefit, there are generally few people around that time than there are at other times during the day, giving a chance to capture images in relative peace, which also is truth. This image is captured on Lizard Point, Britain's - most southerly point about half an hour before sunrise. Despite a popular area, haven’t seen anyone around what was really helpful.
Searching materials about golden hour I found couple useful tips for the best shot during that time of day as they pose their own challenges and it is essential to be prepared – especially when need to sacrifice morning sleep, leaving bed on a cold morning.
- Low Light Conditions: When the sun is on the horizon, light is low in intensity. You will need to be prepared to take long exposures and it is very important that you carry a tripod along to reduce camera shakes.
Well I had a tripod, but wasn’t very helpful as it was quite windy day and especially my big telephoto lens, was hard to control from shaking.
- Camera Mode: Manual – as you can experiment as you like, whit the different settings depends what you have in mind. Also any other semi auto modes can lead to a pretty good picture.
As I already most of the times learn myself to use Manual it wasn’t problem
- Bracketing: Will definitely need to bracket your shots. The underexposed shot will most likely be the one.
Well I’m very good at it…maybe too good as for one scene I have more than 10 images with different F stops and shutter speeds, because you have to make sure that even one will be useful as you can’t go back and re shot the scene, not only because of rare location, but even in light wise as it will never be the same.
- Timing: The biggest challenge photographer’s face during the magic hours is the timing of the shot. The light during the magic hours changes so is important to take shots as many as possible to not let by chance miss the one…
It is very stressful I had to say, when you realise that you have to be very fast to catch the right light, but sometimes get hold back by changing lenses or looking for better F stop or shutter speed..
- Image Format: In tricky shots like these you want to shoot in RAW- it`s allows full control on the picture data.
Hmm…that’s decision can be made only by professionals…I had experience shooting in RAW, but after is very hard to post processing image, as file is a lot bigger than usual. If you 100% sure you can make a perfect photograph – well defiantly go for it, as it is worth that.
- Angles: Try different angles. Light during these moments varies with every angle as does the reflection and gradient and the colors.
I agree it`s very important…change the angle, direction, position, tripod high…by doing that is very good chance then at least one good image you will have.
- Peripherals: Carrying extra battery, storage etc. since you will be taking shots every few minutes, also some other lenses.
It’s very important as you can’t afford battery low etc…this probably as always is that thing all or nothing…take all what you have…or not point even get up.
Shutter Speed: 2/6sec Aperture: F13 ISO: 200
after sunset by Land`s End
Calculating the Golden Hour.
The best way to calculate the times of your two daily golden hours is to use golden hour calculator and as long as you can access internet it could be easily done and also will help to plan shots.
I found very useful site where you can see haw it works…
Next just do some simple maths - the first golden hour of the day will begin just before sunrise and continue for about an hour. The second golden hour will begin around an hour before sunset and finish just after.
The golden hour rule can be applied not only of outdoor photography. As well as the more obvious subjects such as landscapes and city scenes, it also works well for outdoor portraits, shots of flowers and plants, and even certain types of still life such as cars. Its all down to you what you have in mind. I glad I had finally the chance to experience it and for me is nothing more beautiful as morning golden hour.
Hi
ReplyDeleteGood work and in depth, well done. the magic hour allows for the sunlight to colour, shape and texture both the clouds and the land / sea at the same time. So shooting at the sun with a reflective surface such as the sea, rock pools or rafts of water can lead to some outstanding images.
Steve
Hi
ReplyDeleteCan you add more research to your work please so we can compare and contrast how well you have done please.
Great to see that you have the motivation to not only travel a long distance, get up early / late photography shows real commitment. Back this up with some indepth comparisons against other togs.
Steve