Magic Hour (systems and processes)

Magic Hour Photography is the first and last hour of sunlight during the day. Because the sun is lower on the horizon, the light is much more diffused and much warmer in colour, and the shadows are longer.

At the time of day when the sun is at its highest, even though its usually brightest, it is unflattering and generally unsuitable for photographic purposes as its too harsh, on people the downward direction of the light creates dark shadows under they eyes and nose. During magic hour the sunlight is travelling through more of the atmosphere, so more of the light comes from the sky-like one huge softbox.


this is a portrait taken at magic hour, the quality of the light on her skin is beautiful, its flattering and soft and makes her skin look smooth, and there are no harsh shadows on her face. How wonderful! Light that can make you look gorgeous? The model was very pleased with this picture, it has to be said!


In this image the sun is very low on the horizon, again creating that beautiful golden light and it is also making the shadows of the trees and vegetation much longer. It illuminates the model, especially her hair, giving her the illusion of a halo, an etheral and beautiful feel.


This image was also taken at magic hour. One of the qualities of magic hour that i love the most is the ability to create beautiful silhouettes and genuine lens-flare. I positioned myself between the model and the tree and moved until the sun was in the optimal place to get this shot. Even though the model is nude, the lens flare almost obscures this fact and i'm very pleased with how it turned out.