This afternoon we have another edition of Ask the Experts and James & Lianne are here as resident photography experts to talk about the wonder that is the Golden Hour. We hear a lot about it (especially from our American friends) when it comes to those perfect portraits, but what actually is it"!
What is the Golden Hour"

You may often hear photographers speaking about a magical time of the day called the golden hour. It’s something we all hope for, but it’s not often clear what it is or what it means for you.
The golden hour is the hour right around sunset. On anything but an overcast day, as the sun sets and sinks lower towards the horizon, the light changes, becomes more dynamic and more flattering. In the UK, with our weather, there’s no guarantee of this happening but you can bet on your photographer hoping for some magical light to really get their creative juices flowing and you’ll only be thanking yourselves later if you take their advice and make time for it in the evening.
In the winter, the golden hour will typically be as early as 3-4pm. In the summer, 8-9pm. There’s never a set time for it, just a ballpark schedule, which makes it an unpredictable event. So here’s the part where you come in. If your photographer comes into your meal and tells you, as soon as you’ve finished desert to come out for a few photos… do it! It might be called the golden hour but the best bit is but a brief few minutes ...