The joy (and struggle) of Golden Hour

I love shooting during the “golden hour.” All you aspiring and seasoned photographers out there know that I am referring to that time of the day when the sun is low in the sky and gives off this beautiful golden hue that makes everything look pretty, no matter what it is. I always tell everyone that if they want to improve their photography, they should start shooting during the golden hour. It’s a pretty universal fact.

Of course I am aware that beautiful images can be created at ANY time of the day, even during the harshest light at noon without any cloud overcast. I totally get it and I’ve shot during those times plenty myself. But I am also (painfully) aware that most of my favorite images have been created during the golden hour and I am not ashamed to admit that I am completely in love with that quality of light.

(Un)fortunately for me, I live on the east coast of the country and if I want to capture the sun appearing directly over the ocean, I have to wake up way before sunrise. Which, during summer months, means around 4:30AM. Ouch. This process is never easy, no matter how many times I later exclaim, “This was TOTALLY worth it.” Right. Next time I should just record this message on my phone and play it as my alarm clock when it’s still pitch black outside and even my doggies don’t want to budge from their comfy spots on my bed.

Thankfully, for the most part, the images later speak for themselves and that’s basically the only thing that gets me up this early over and over again in the morning.

Even when I travel, or especially when I travel, I make the effort to get up for sunrise at least once during my trip. My companions, including my incredibly understanding boyfriend, get up with me and help me capture this magical pre-dawn time on camera (I have to hear a whole litany of groans prior, but hey, it’s TOTALLY worth it). Even my best friend, who’s actually my most frequent travel companion these days, appreciates the whole process at this point. As a matter of fact, she has dragged my booty out of bed for this very purpose on more than one occasion and for that I am eternally grateful.

So please guys, next time you have a choice between snoozing in or getting out there to capture the first rays of dawn, choose the latter. Even if that means playing “this was TOTALLY worth it” as your personal alarm tune 🙂