What time of day should you take your engagement photos if you want golden hour engagement photos? This answer will change depending on your location, and time of year. If you’re dreaming of golden light and sunsets, this time of day is what photographers call Golden Hour. Generally this is an hour to two hours before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and the color of the light actually changes to a more golden or warmer tone. This is very flattering and romantic light and is what you’ll often see used in cinematic shots and romance scenes in movies. You can look up what time sunset will be in your location easily here: Sunrise and Sunset Calculator
You’ll also want to consider the location you choose because depending on where you are you may or may not get those golden sunbeams. Be mindful of tall trees or where the hills/mountains are since the sun will dip below those earlier than if you’ll be standing high on a tall hill. This is partly why I love Baskett Slough right outside of Salem, Oregon. There is a variety of areas to be in the shade with beautiful forested paths as well as wide open grassy fields overlooking the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley. You only have to hike up a slight hill to be greeted by a panoramic view.
Jerrica and Tim met me at Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge about an hour before sunset which gave us time to take golden hour engagement photos all around the hiking trails there and make it to the look out at the top just as the sun was setting.
To see more examples of golden hour engagement photos, Check out my Engagement Photo Portfolio.
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