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Photography Golden Hour Calculator

Find out the best golden hour for photography with our free golden hour calculator. Get perfect lighting times today and capture stunning photos.

Location & Date
Positive for North, Negative for South
Positive for East, Negative for West
UTC offset (e.g., EST = -5, CET = +1)
Golden Hour Definition
Photographic standard: 6°
Photographic standard: -4°
Standard Definition: Golden hour occurs when the sun is between -4° and +6° elevation above the horizon.

Every photographer loves golden hour. It’s that short time when the sun gives a soft, warm glow. Photos look dreamy, skin tones look natural, and landscapes shine with color. But golden hour changes daily. That’s why we built our Photography Golden Hour Calculator. It helps you find the exact start and end times for golden hour at your location.

What Is the Golden Hour for Photography?

Golden hour is the period just after sunrise and before sunset. The sun sits low in the sky. Light is gentle, warm, and perfect for portraits and landscapes.

Many ask, “Is 4 PM golden hour?” The answer depends on where you live and the season. Golden hour doesn’t follow the clock. It follows the sun’s position.

How Our Golden Hour Calculator Works

The calculator uses proven astronomy formulas. It finds when the sun’s angle is between −4° and +6° above the horizon. That’s the sweet spot for golden light.

Here’s the formula in plain text:

sin h = sin φ × sin δ + cos φ × cos δ × cos ω

Where:

  • h = sun elevation (−4° to +6° for golden hour)
  • φ = latitude
  • δ = solar declination
  • ω = hour angle (distance from solar noon)

The calculator does the math for you. Just enter your date, location, and timezone. You’ll see the morning and evening golden hour times.

How to Use the Golden Hour Calculator

  1. Type your latitude and longitude.
  2. Choose your date and timezone.
  3. Press calculate.
  4. Get the start and end times for golden hour today.

It’s quick, easy, and 100% free.

Best Camera Settings for Golden Hour

Golden hour is soft, but light fades fast. You’ll need to adjust settings as it changes.

  • ISO: Keep it low, around 100–400.
  • Aperture: Use f/2.8–f/5.6 for portraits.
  • Shutter speed: Adjust to avoid blur. Start at 1/125.

These settings let you capture warm tones and sharp shots.

Why Photographers Love Golden Hour

Golden hour isn’t just about light. It’s about mood. Shadows are long, skies glow, and everything looks cinematic. It’s like nature set up a free studio for you.

Final Verdict

The Photography Golden Hour Calculator takes the guesswork out of timing. No more checking the sky and guessing when to shoot. You’ll know exactly when golden hour starts and ends in your city. So next time you plan a shoot, open our calculator, check the times, grab your camera, and enjoy the magic light.

FAQs

When is golden hour today?

Use our calculator. Enter your date and location to see exact times.

What ISO is best for golden hour?

Keep ISO low, between 100–400, for clean shots.

What camera settings should I use for golden hour?

Try a wide aperture for soft backgrounds. Adjust shutter speed to freeze motion.

Is golden hour always the same time?

No. It changes daily with the sun’s path and your location.