Golden hour 101
Why we schedule most sessions in the last hour before sunset, and what that means for your day.
Golden hour is the stretch of time just before sunset when the sun sits low and the light turns soft and warm.
Why it matters
Midday sun comes from straight above, which makes people squint and puts shadows under eyes. Low evening sun wraps around faces, glows through hair, and flatters every skin tone.
When it happens here
In Hampton Roads, golden hour moves a lot through the year. In June it can start after 7:30 pm; in December it can be over by 4:45 pm. We'll give you an exact start time when we book.
What we suggest
- Start your session about 60–90 minutes before sunset
- Plan dinner after, not before, especially with little ones
- Have a cloudy-day plan: overcast light is soft and lovely too
Weddings
We'll build 20 minutes of golden-hour portraits into your timeline. It's often the couple's favorite part of the gallery.