September Week 3 – Shadows and Lens Flare During Golden Hour

Understand the Golden Hour:
- It’s the short period after sunrise and before sunset. The light is softer, warmer, and can be more flattering than harsh midday sunlight.
- When does Golden Hour start? Use basic tools or a simple online search to find out the golden hour timings for your location.
Equipment:
- Start with any camera you have—even a smartphone with a good camera will do.
- Ensure it’s charged and ready to go.

Simple Silhouettes:
- Stand with the sun behind an object or person.
- Click a photo where the subject looks dark against a bright background.
Catch Shadows:
- Notice the long shadows created by anything standing in the sun.
- Capture an image where these shadows are a main feature (the hero of the image). It can be as simple as the shadow of a tree, a bicycle, or even your own shadow!
Feel the Flare:
- Position your camera so that the sun peeks a little into the side or corner of your frame.
- Click a photo and see if you can capture a light streak or “flare”.
Friendly Portraits:
- Photograph a willing friend or family member with the sun behind or to the side of them.
- Try to capture the warm, glowing light on their hair or around their silhouette.
Golden Colors:
- Find an area where the light directly hits.
- Take photos that show the warm, golden tones.
Reflection Hunt:
- If there’s a puddle, pond, or any reflective surface around, try to capture the reflection of the golden light or sky.
Close-up Details:
- Find a subject with an interesting texture—a leaf, stone, or bark of a tree.
- Click a close-up photo to see how the golden light highlights its details.

Review:
- Look through your photos and select your favorites.
- Notice the difference in colors, shadows, and overall mood in these golden hour shots compared to other times of the day.
Share:
- Share a couple of your best shots on social media. You can use the hashtag #GoldenHour to discover others creating Golden Hours images.
Keep Learning:
- Practice makes perfect. The more you photograph, the more you’ll discover what works and what doesn’t. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!