Header photo: Maybe this time, I can go far... by photographer Gerard with model Rebecca Tun and Photoshop Wizard RT Retouch

Golden hour is when the sun is low in the sky, during the first hour of sunlight after sunrise and the last hour just before sunset. 

Taking advantage of this fabulous light requires planning (and getting the timing right is vital), but it's worth it. Since the light is warm and soft, images taken during this time tend to be draped in a golden glow, giving them a gorgeous cosiness and magical essence.

Experienced PurplePort photographer Kirk Schwarz provides his favourite tips for taking stunning sunset portraits in his short guide.

In her tutorial below, professional photographer Vanessa Joy shares behind-the-scenes tips from a golden hour portrait shoot and editing tricks to enhance your images:

 

Below are some beautiful examples of golden hour photography captured by creatives on PurplePort.

We hope the ideas and gorgeous images in this collection inspire you to take photos during golden hour. It really is a great opportunity to give your images a comforting, dreamy and mellow vibe. 

If you want to find more images like these or the perfect inspiration for your next photoshoot, head over to Image Search and start exploring PurplePort images using keyword tags.

#1


Tobacco sunrise by photographer SBphoto


#2


Coming Home by photographer Alex Lewis


#3


The perfect glow. by model Sophia gray


#4


we want the same thing, we dream the same dream by photographer Rebecca Tun (Photographer)


#5


Adam by photographer soul_trapper


#6


Image by photographer I P H O T O U K


#7


Field of gold by photographer Fantasy Dabblers


#8


Cold Misty Sunrise by photographer Doz


#9


Katey October sun by photographer Thammondphotography


#10


Maybe this time, I can go far... by model Rebecca Tun


#11


Image by model Bexmcr


#12


Image by photographer Kirk Schwarz


#13


Daniel Robinson Photography by model Ash Rowley


#14


Vulcan - God of Fire by photographer Forest Moon


#15


Unscheduled wandering... by model Rebecca Tun


#16


Image by photographer Anthony Robert


#17


Cariad by photographer Richard Wakefield


#18


Cariad by photographer Richard Wakefield


#19


Cariad by photographer Richard Wakefield


#20


The Sky is burning by photographer Andrew T


#21


Image by tutor Artemisian Luxury Photographic Holidays


#22


I wander often but wonder always. by model Sinopa Rin


#23


The Girl With The Sun In Her Head by photographer Richard Wakefield


#24


Layla's Journey by photographer Richard Wakefield


#25


Sunshine in the field of dreams by photographer Kirk Schwarz


#26


Callum - contrejour portrait by photographer JBDI-photography


#27


All locked by photographer Quality Pixels


#28


Jessie Pavelka by photographer Adam Deakin


#29


Charles bridge in Prague by photographer Fantasy Dabblers


#30


Image by photographer Owen Lloyd


#31


Bordeaux France water shot by model carrera indego


#32


Tinkers & travellers by model ♥ Chiara Elisabetta


#33


'Just watch, I'm going to make Belle my wife!' by photographer Gerard


#34


Image by model Miss Rosie Lea


#35


Where, could that girl have gone? She left no trail but I cannot fail, I will find her. by photographer DarrenM Photography


#36


She lit a fire by photographer DarrenM Photography


#37


Image by photographer Paul Gooddy


#38


New perspective by photographer Portraits by Gus


#39


What's that ferny creature? by model Rebecca Tun


#40


Sunshine by photographer Pix Photography


#41


In the sunset by model Indrija Kustov


#42


Chandelier sunset by photographer J Black Photographic


#43


Amber by photographer Rapture Photography


#44


Image by model MarynaSedin78


#45


Is it summer yet? by model ♥ Chiara Elisabetta


#46


Sunsets by model Lucia Needham


#47


Sunset by photographer PMSW


#48


Image by photographer Henry_Finch


#49


CIRCUS by model ♥ Chiara Elisabetta


#50


Tŵr Mawr lighthouse by photographer AndyJB


#51


Belgin by photographer Guillaume de Lafontaine - DWAMPIX


#52


Golden Hour by model Arabella


#53


Equine by photographer Gothic Image


#54


Golden hour by model Karina Jacenko


#55


Image by model Natalie_


What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

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