PHOTOGRAPHY
B Photography
GOLDEN HOUR THAT LAST HOUR BEFORE SUNSET , WHEN THE SUN HANGS LOW IN THE SKY AND EVERYTHING IS BATHED IN GOLDEN LIGHT , THAT ’ S THE GOLDEN HOUR AND EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER ’ S DREAM . SOFT , FLATTERING RAYS OF BRONZED TONES OFFER THE PERFECT TIME FOR STUNNING , INTIMATE SHOTS , SO IT ’ S NO SURPRISE THAT PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE TRYING TO INCORPORATE THIS TIME INTO THEIR ITINERARIES . BUT WHEN IT IS GOLDEN HOUR , HOW DO YOU JUDGE IT , AND WILL IT ALWAYS BE ACHIEVABLE ? A KENTISH CEREMONY ALONG WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS HELP YOU TO PERFECT IT
SO , WHAT IS THE GOLDEN HOUR ? When we talk about photography , the golden hour is the hour just before the sun sets , primarily achieved in the summer months , when the days are longer ; this time is excellent for capturing beautifully lit , romantic moments . During the day , in the height of summer , direct sunlight can be very harsh , casting heavy , unflattering shadows . So , other than a good few shady spots of even light , photographers will always pray for that hour of golden rays , and welcome the soft , beautiful light that comes with it .
HOW DO I GET GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY ? Be prepared ! Golden hour could differ from day to day , and if it ’ s looking like it ’ s going to be a sunny day then it ’ s more than likely that you will capture a few golden hour shots .
For photographers , it ’ s essential to have a brief plan with the couple beforehand and to know when the sun will be setting . It ’ s referred to as ‘ an hour ’, but more often than not , this beautiful light can come and go in minutes , so be sure to be ready and don ’ t be afraid to interrupt the bride and groom if you think they ’ re going to be the shots of the day - they ’ ll definitely thank you later .
If the day is overcast or raining , don ’ t panic , there are always opportunities to capture the perfect shot and sometimes a couple holding an umbrella , singing in the rain can be just as effective ! Remember though , light is always changing , and even if it does seem overcast , it doesn ’ t mean to say that you won ’ t get those five minutes of beautiful light as the sun goes down . Keep that in mind and you ’ ll nail it ! There are also a couple of apps that may help with lighting .
Photographer B Photography ( www . b-photography . co . uk ) brings her top tips on golden hour and why she loves it so much .
“ I am a huge lover of sunsets , and if there is an opportunity for golden hour portraits on your wedding day , I ’ d always recommend it ! Golden hour is approximately one hour before sunset ( depending on the venue ) when the light is really soft . It can make for beautiful relaxed portraits later in the day , but a golden hour on your wedding day is not guaranteed . If you ’ re keen to have some dreamy golden hour portraits in your wedding album , I ’ d recommend working with your photographer or coordinator to set aside some time for these . In the height of summer , it will be a lot later when much of the formalities are over ; however , in other months , you may find it ’ s bang in the middle of dinner or speeches .”
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