Is Sunrise or Sunset Better for Golden Hour Landscape Photography?

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Photo by konradlew via iStock 

If you are a nature, landscape, or wildlife photographer, chances are you’ve heard the term “golden hour” before. But what exactly is it? When can you find it? And how do you best take advantage of it? These are all common questions you may have. Lucky for you, we answer all those questions and more in this article! 

We’ll start by defining golden hour photography. Next, we’ll compare and contrast the light quality of sunrise and sunset golden hour. After that, we’ll share our top tips for capturing stunning golden hour landscape photography. We’ll also recommend some must-own gear to help improve your photos.

Ok, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover whether sunrise or sunset golden hour landscape photography is better for you! 

Table of Contents

What is Golden Hour?

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Golden hour refers to the two times of day when natural light is infused with gold/red tones and is softer than typical light. These two times occur in the morning, just after sunrise, and in the evening, just before sunset. Many photographers and videographers also call these times the “Magic Hours.”

The exact timing and length of the golden hour will vary depending on your location and the time of year. However, a simple rule of thumb is that it occurs the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. While the golden hour is a wonderful time to shoot all different types of photography, golden hour landscape photography is especially popular. 

Light Quality at Sunrise vs Sunset

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While both sunrise and sunset have golden hours, it’s important to understand that the light you will find during these two times is not exactly the same. First, the color of the light is slightly different. Sunrise light usually has more of a golden-blue tone, while sunset light has a golden-red hue. Don’t worry, though. Both are perfect for golden hour landscape photography and will deliver gorgeous images.

Another thing to take into consideration is the physical location of the sun. Since the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, the light will drastically differ depending on where and in which direction you are shooting. This is why it’s crucial to plan ahead and scout a location in advance.

Golden Hour Landscape Photography Tips: Invest in the Right Gear

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Our top tip for golden hour landscape photography is to ensure you have the proper equipment. This starts, of course, with a camera and lens. We also recommend getting a sturdy tripod to ensure your images are tack-sharp. A great option for this is the Vanguard 3+ 303CBS, a carbon fiber tripod with a ball head that offers incredible versatility and durability.

For example, the 303CBS has a multi-angle central column (MACC) that enables 360-degree movement in any direction, allowing you to frame up the perfect sunrise or sunset shot. The removable spiked feet give the tripod added stability on uneven ground, while the height range from about 8.5 to 70 inches gives you wide latitude for composing your images.

And if you have a lot of gear, no worries! The Vanguard 3+ 303CBS holds up to 55 pounds of gear and does so while folding down to just 31 inches for easy transport. Add in an Arca-compatible ball head, three leg angles, and a center column that can be used laterally, and you have the makings of the perfect tripod for sunrise or sunset photography.

Other necessary gear includes rain gear, lens filters, a cleaning kit, a camera clip, and a comfortable carrying solution. Waterproof protection is exceptionally important because the weather in the morning and evening is often less predictable than during the middle of the day, even more so if you are in the mountains or close to the coast. 

With that in mind, our favorite way to stay dry during bad weather is the GoShelter wearable canopy.

It’s an innovative new product that protects you and your gear and improves productivity when shooting golden hour landscape photography. Furthermore, its hands-free design allows you to dedicate all your time and attention to your camera and photography without having to hold anything for protection.

Better still, GoShelter allows you freedom of movement so you can get the shot. Unlike a poncho that drapes over your body, GoShelter provides space between it and your body, which also helps air flow. And unlike rain covers for cameras - which make it difficult to use all the camera’s controls - GoShelter allows you to keep your camera uncovered and free without worry of it getting wet. Nice!

Add the fact that GoShelter is easy to lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to deploy, and you have the perfect setup for protecting you and your gear in the rain.

You can receive $15 off your GoShelter order for a limited time only by entering the code PT1Umbrella when checking out - it’s icing on the cake!

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Golden Hour Landscape Photography Tips: Include Foreground Interest

Photo by Oleh_Slobodeniuk via iStock 

Adding a foreground subject to your golden hour landscape photography is a great way to draw attention to an image. Not only does it immediately capture the viewer's attention, but it also adds depth and perspective to a scene.  

Foreground interest can occur naturally in your photos – for example, a tree, flower, animal, hill, etc. Alternatively, you can add external subjects like people or props. More benefits of having foreground interest in your golden hour photography are it spices up the composition, creates emotions, and helps tell a story. 

Golden Hour Landscape Photography Tips: Use Reflections & Shadows

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Taking advantage of the natural reflections and shadows during golden hour landscape photography is another surefire way to make your images stand out. The best places to create beautiful reflection shots are bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, oceans, and ponds. After rainy days you can even find amazing reflections in small puddles.

Playing with shadows is also a creative way to jazz up your photography. It's easy to find shadows dancing across landscapes when the sun is low in the sky (during sunrise and sunset). Knowing how and when to use those shadows properly is something you will learn the more you practice. For example, we love silhouette effects. 

Golden Hour Landscape Photography Tips: Look for Interesting Clouds & Fog

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Clouds and fog are natural light diffusers that work wonders during golden hour landscape photography. Some of the most impressive and magical landscape images we have ever seen were created courtesy of their inclusion. 

When the sun is directly overhead during the day, clouds and fog tend to cast unwanted shadows, create too much contrast, or overexpose photos. However, during golden hour, the sun shines through them perfectly. Next time you are out during golden hour, look for interesting clouds and fog and see if you can use them to your advantage. 

Final Thoughts on Sunrise vs Sunset Golden Hour Landscape Photography

Photo by Maxim Morales via iStock

So, which is better, sunrise or sunset golden hour landscape photography? The answer is…drumroll, please…it depends! Both are excellent times to shoot outside images in nature, but which is ultimately better depends on your situation and what you are photographing.

The location, time of year, and weather conditions are the three most important things to consider when deciding which time of day will work best for you. Now, go and get your hands on the correct gear, research a location, plan your shoot, and get out there. Practice is the best way to learn whether you prefer sunset vs sunrise! 

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