the golden hour.

3.08.2014


If you know anything or are trying to learn anything about taking pictures, you've probably heard of a little thing called the golden hour. That magical time right before sundown when the light is golden, and you really can't take a bad picture.

Unfortunately for me, I can never find it.

I can't figure out how to use the light to my advantage and get those golden rays, and it makes me so mad. How can other people do it, and I can't?

Oh, but I can. And I did.

Back in January, by a stroke of good luck, my friend Callie and I chose the only day in a two-month window that was not freezing cold to take her maternity pictures. It was, in fact gorgeous weather, and I think at least half of Oklahoma City was at the Gardens taking pictures. That's where I found The Light.

Callie can attest to the fact that I went crazy and just started shouting, "The light! I found it! DON'T MOVE." For real. It was gorgeous. I finally felt like a halfway decent photographer and not a poser holding an expensive camera. 

Winning.


For those of you photographers (or hobbyists like myself),
here are a few links on the golden hour that I've found helpful:


Got any golden hour tips? Do share!
~Anchored In Christ~ said...

wish I could figure that out too. but can't. :(

Sarah Pete said...

These are GORGEOUS pictures! Well done!!! Love the magical light ;)

Rachel said...

Those turned out so incredible!! I have heard of this golden hour--I'll have to make my little brother figure out how to find it!

Ashley {in MKE} said...

Hahahaha! "The light! I found it! Don't move!" I just giggled out loud. I can totally see you shouting that. The pictures are GORGEOUS.

Brandi said...

Just lovely and golden! What lovely keepsakes for them!

Miriam said...

You did find it! So beautiful!
I love how you described it as "the only day in a two-months window" - so funny and sad at the same time haha.
I have no tips to share of my own, I'm a searcher of the golden light myself! Will check out your links now.

Brittany Fry @ The 26th of August said...

These pictures turned out amazing and I am so happy for you that you have found it!!! I sometimes struggle with it too but that one moment that I do it's a great feeling!!!!

Kayla MKOY said...

That is amazing that you yelled that out loud! SO something I would say!! I have yet to try shooting in the golden light, but I know its perfect. :) these look great, girl!!

Jennifer Prod said...

amanda, holygoodness i'm so impressed! these photographs are gorgeous-- you definitely captured the light, but you also have all sorts of skill to make capturing that light possible. i'm anxious to see more of your work, and checking out the links you shared asap :)

Unknown said...

Great photos! Golden light is the best! That is the time when we try to do most of our photos! Great job!

Catherine said...

You definitely found it! The photos are beautiful with that ethereal-ness to them! I've only just found your blog recently, but I cant wait to see more of your work!

Unknown said...

These pictures are gorgeous! I wish I had any talent behind a camera, but sadly I don't. Thankfully I'm marrying a man who's good with the camera :)

Madison @ Wetherills Say I Do said...

These photos are so beautiful! "Golden hour" photography is definitely tricky, but you mastered it in this shoot! I'm definitely going to look into the links you shared:)

Anonymous said...

Yayyy for photography links and posts, I just bought a Nikon D5100 an I am teaching myself to use it!

Callie said...

Reese (Amanda, whatever) definitely went nuts at the "golden hour." I basically just froze in place while she went, "Ooohh! Look at this! Look at this!" and jumped around excitedly. She did an AWESOME job, and everyone should hire her for any photos they need taken, maternity, engagement, family photos, etc. She will knock your socks off. I love my photos, and everyone I show them to goes totally ga-ga over them. Thanks for the fantastic job!

Caitlin said...

I'm still out in left field trying to find golden hour.

Anonymous said...

The pictures are gorgeous! Well done friend!

~Katy

Erin LFF said...

GORGEOUS photos!!!! :)

Beka @ Sunshine to the Square Inch said...

HOLLER for finding that golden hour! =) These are fun pictures!

Carly said...

Beautiful photos! I need to find this light you speak of!

Unknown said...

Great links! Thanks for sharing :) I love those maternity photos, they really did come out beautifully! The golden hour is truly golden. Glad you were finally able to capture it! If only we could control the lighting and weather, right?

Leslie Lukens Martin said...

Fabulous photos! I'll never be more than a point-and-shoot camera girl, but I have mad respect for people who can use fancy cameras and get beautiful results {like yours above!}.

Julie @ Just the Joy's said...

How awesome! These pictures look great! :)

Betsy said...

those are BEAUTIFUL! you definitely found it :)

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