The Magic of Golden Hour Photography in Gilbert
Everyone’s Favorite Time for Photos.
Golden hour is notoriously one of the best times of day for photos – and the results speak for themselves!
Everything You Need to Know About Taking Golden Hour Photos.
If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “golden hour” used often. I am a huge fan of golden hour photography! It’s one of the secrets to taking photos that are bathed in a warm, glowing light.
Good lighting is a big part of taking high-quality, true-to-life photos. Golden hour is famous for being one of those times of day when the lighting is just right, making your photos look dreamy and magical. This stunning lighting occurs twice a day, right after sunrise and just before sunset. Especially with the dreamy backdrop of the Arizona desert, golden hour is hard to beat.
It’s every photographer’s favorite time to shoot, and once you see the results, it will quickly become your favorite too. So, let’s chat about all things golden hour!
Golden Hour in Gilbert
The exact time of day when golden hour will hit depends on your specific area. As a photographer, it’s important to know the timeframe you’ll have to work in because perfect lighting doesn’t last forever! In general, you can expect golden light within the first hour after the sun rises, and the last hour before the sun sets. Each specific season will also impact the exact time that golden hour falls.
Because I love the nitty-gritty details, here’s a good guide for golden hour in the Gilbert area:
Spring and Fall: The golden hour usually falls between 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Summer: Expect the golden hour from around 5:30 AM - 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
Winter: The golden hour typically occurs between 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.
The Best Locations for Golden Hour Shoots
I may be a little biased, but there is truly something magical about golden hour lighting against the Arizona landscape. Whether you’re working in the open desert or a lush green nature reserve, planning your session around golden hour is always worth the extra effort.
Over the years, I’ve taken photos in some locations that are absolutely breathtaking during the magical, glowy hours before sunset. A few of my favorites in the Gilbert area include:
Nature Reserves – Specifically, I love the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Anywhere that you can find a backdrop with lush greenery, the iconic arizona cacti, and water scenes is a win in my book. Especially during golden hour, lakes and ponds create a calm, serene environment for your photos.
Open Fields – With the backdrop of the sun setting, an open landscape is always a good idea. Fields or large grassy parks are great places for family sessions because they give kids space to move and interact with one another in a genuine way.
Downtown – Isn’t there something so beautiful about the sunrise against the city skyline? Taking photos in downtown Gilbert gives such cool urban vibes, between the colorful murals, historic buildings, and incredible lighting.
How to Prepare for a Golden Hour Session
Arrive early! When you’re working with a very limited timeframe, it’s essential that you’re ready to go right when the perfect lighting hits. I like to recommend getting to the location at least 10 minutes early.
Dress the part. Your outfits should compliment the golden light that you’ll be working with. Soft, neutral, and earthy tones really work well in these shoots!
Have fun! Once you’re at the location and we’re all together, just focus on enjoying being with your people. I will take care of the rest! It’s my job to know how to get the best lighting, so follow my lead.
Golden hour in Gilbert is a magical time for photos. Whether it’s a family session, an engagement shoot, or a personal portrait, the warm glow will make your pictures look incredible. Ready to capture some golden memories? Book your golden hour session with us today and let’s make some magic together!
