For Golden Hour Light, Get up Early (Day 12 of 31)
The best-known examples of the famous Golden Hour occur late in the day. The phrase refers, of course, to that time in the evening, before twilight, when the sunlight can take on a magical richness and intensity. (It often overlaps, as parents know, with the time of day also known as Arsenic Hour or Crazy Time—the period before dinner when adults are worn out and children are impossible.) For photography, Golden Hour light is invaluable. Some of your best outdoor shots have probably been taken then.
There’s another option, of course: getting up early. I can do it, and often have, sometimes for years on end. It’s undeniable, though, that there have been long stretches of my life when I haven’t seen many sunrises. My tendency has always been more toward the night-owl side than the early riser.
Nonetheless, morning light has many of the same inherently beautiful qualities as evening light, and it’s worth making the effort to get up early from time to time. The light is much softer than at midday, and of course it’s much more golden—more yellow-toned. This enhances colours. The light is dimensional, as well. Shadows are longer and softer than during the middle of the day.
One thing you can do to take advantage of this light is just to be aware of the possibilities, twice a day (if you’re up). Be alert to when the Golden Hour falls in your region in the season you’re in. Keep an eye out. If you see some great light, grab your phone or camera and run outside. Sometimes it only lasts a few minutes, so be ready and act fast.
And, if your kids are being cranky and impossible, getting them outdoors for a few minutes may be just what’s needed to keep everyone sane until you get dinner on the table.
(For the month of October 2017, I’m participating in the 31 Days bloggers’ challenge. You can find out about it here, and check out the interesting work other bloggers are posting.)