Improve your golden hour portraits instantly with these 10 tips covering posing, lighting, composition, and color.

1. When shooting during golden hour, use backlit shots for a dreamy aesthetic and frontlit shots for saturated colors.
2. Have the model close their eyes to avoid blinding sunlight and improve color in the photo.
3. Avoid underexposing images; slightly underexpose to retain details without adding noise.
4. Incorporate props for variety and storytelling in your photos.
5. Experiment with different poses and angles to capture unique perspectives.
6. Use wide, medium, and tight shots to showcase the scenery and focus on the model.
7. Consider using a website like Squarespace for showcasing your portfolio and selling products.
8. These tips are applicable beyond golden hour and will help you improve your photography skills over time. 😎

Posing and Lighting 🌟

When shooting during golden hour, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind to ensure stunning results. First, consider the positioning of your model in relation to the light source. Backlighting can create a dreamy and ethereal look, while front lighting with the sun as the key light can produce vibrant and rich colors. To avoid discomfort for your model, be mindful of their exposure to the sun and encourage them to close their eyes for most shots.

Skin Tone and Post-Processing 🎨

Utilizing the sun as your main light source during golden hour can result in photos with rich, warm hues. However, it’s important to find the right balance when exposing for the model and the sky. Underexposing slightly can help maintain details in the sky without sacrificing the quality of the model’s image. Additionally, consider using Golden Hour Portrait presets to enhance the warm, golden tones in your images.

Posing and Props 🕶️🌊

When posing your model, aim for natural and relaxed positions that allow them to interact with their environment. Incorporating props, such as sunglasses, beach towels, or even a horse, can add depth and storytelling elements to your photos. Experiment with different poses and encourage your model to engage with their surroundings for more dynamic results.

Composition and Angles 📷🌅

To create a well-rounded series of portraits, vary your composition with wide, medium, and tight shots. Wide shots capture the beauty of the scenery, medium shots focus on the model with some background visible, and tight shots emphasize the model’s features. Don’t be afraid to play around with different angles and heights to find the most flattering perspectives for your photos.

Website Promotion and Photography Business 🖥️📸

Building a professional website with Squarespace can elevate your photography business and establish a strong online presence. With easy-to-use tools and 24/7 customer support, Squarespace allows photographers to showcase their work, sell products, and connect with potential clients. Use the coupon code "Manny" for 10% off your first purchase and take the first step towards enhancing your photography portfolio.

Universal Tips and Final Thoughts 🌍✨

While these tips are specifically tailored for golden hour photography, many of the concepts can be applied to various shooting conditions and scenarios. By incorporating these techniques into your workflow, you can gradually develop a natural and intuitive approach to photography. Take the time to internalize these tips and let them guide you towards creating stunning images, whether it’s golden hour or any other setting.