I would like to offer a few tips for stunning golden hour wedding portraits. My aim is to provide insights into lighting, positioning, and equipment for capturing beautiful sunset photos.
Golden hour—the magical time shortly after sunrise or before sunset—bathes everything in soft, warm light, making it a favorite for wedding portraits.
First of all, we need to time it right. Golden hour lasts roughly 30-60 minutes, depending on the season and location. I usually coordinate with the couple and wedding planner to fit this session into the day’s timeline. It is important to allow time for positioning and transitions.
Before the beginning of photography coverage, I identify open spaces or areas with interesting foregrounds, such as fields, water, or architectural elements, to complement the light.
I always focus on emotions and natural poses. I ask from the couple to forget my presence and look to each other. I encourage them to laugh, walk hand-in-hand, or share quiet moments to capture candid, emotional shots. Possible ways to incorporate movement is to lean into each other, or walk through the light to create dynamic, natural compositions.
I hope the above tips for stunning golden hour wedding portraits will be useful for couples looking to get married in 2025. My website www.ymvisuals.com provides additional images from various weddings.