The Magic of Magic Hour — Photography & Film (2024)

Magic Hour Meaning

A important distinction to make

A definition of magic hour photography will be needed before going into more detail. A big reason is because magic hour is actually different from golden hour. The problem, however, is that magic and golden hours are similar enough that they are often used interchangeably.

It’s true they’re similar, but there are some notable differences that can make you choose one over the other.

MAGIC HOUR DEFINITION

What is magic hour?

Magic hour is the time just after sunset and just before sunrise, producing warm colors of gold, pink, and blue. For photography, this specific time can be ideal for matching the hues and colors of lights and buildings. As a result, the glow of magic hour photography is less intense, not as bright, and less yellow than that of golden hour. Additionally, it does not usually last an hour, and can actually last less time than golden hour.

Magic and golden hours get used interchangeably, but as our definition points out, magic hour is after sunset and before sunrise. Compare this to golden hour, which is before sunset and after sunrise. It should also be said that when is magic hour and where it happens depends on your location in proximity to the sun’s altitude.

Magic Hour Characteristics:

  • Golden, blue, and pink hues
  • Warm, low-angle light
  • Not always lasting a whole hour
  • Different intensity depending on the time and location

Magic Hour Example

Magic in action

Probably the most immediate difference between magic and golden hour is, well, the look. This might be obvious on paper, but it comes with understanding that the sky does look differently before and after sunset.

Golden hour, as the name might imply, emphasizes the golden bloom that the sun will give off. Magic hour’s name doesn’t really imply it, but once the sun is out of view, a different hue takes over the skies.

The Magic of Magic Hour — Photography & Film (1)

What is magic hour?

The hues and colors that come from magic hour photography are put to very good use in urban environments. While golden hour is great for more natural outdoors, this type of lighting shines when it is used to bring out the lights and architecture of a city.

The Magic of Magic Hour — Photography & Film (2)

What is magic hour photography?

Still wondering “what is magic hour” and what it can look like? Some of the best cinematographers also love to capitalize on that beautiful light. Take a look at some of these images and see how StudioBinder’s storyboard software can help you set up your shots just the way you want them.

Follow the image link to see the complete collection of images and download a PDF for reference.

The Magic of Magic Hour — Photography & Film (3)

Shooting Magic •See the Entire Collection

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Tips & Techniques

Making magic

If you want to make this amazing light, you’re going to want to keep a set of tips and tricks in mind when you set out to shoot.

Prepare

Scope out your location before you shoot anything. It sounds obvious, but you should definitely make sure to do it so that you’re as prepared as possible. This includes paying attention to sky patterns and how things look when it reaches a certain time of the day.

Schedule

Since this narrow window is just after sunset or just before sunrise, you have to have a solid schedule before venturing out. That magic hour could slip away if you don’t have everything planned out, so make sure you know exactly what you'll be shooting. There are fantastic apps that will help take away all the guesswork and frantic searching, "When is magic hour?!"

Cloudy

We can’t control if there’s clouds in the skies, which is why adjusting your white balance is important. In this way, you don’t risk not taking advantage of the look the magic hour photography provides.

Flares

Depending on what you’re looking for, you might be trying to avoid or use lens flares. Those rays of light that sneak into your field of view can either be very attractive or terrible distractions. Therefore, make sure your setup is ready for them (whether you want them or not).

Experiment

There are many types of shots you can use to create something special. Try out different low-angles, try to achieve bokeh, or whatever else. You don’t have the rest of the day to see what could be, so if you’re in the mood, see what you can pull off during the hour.

UP NEXT

Filmmaker’s Guide to a Cinematic Look

Now that we have answered “what is magic hour," “when is magic hour,” and have a good idea of what magic hour photography looks like, take a look at some of the best film lighting techniques around. Our filmmaker’s guide to achieving a cinematic look comes with top talent tips and examples to help your project look as good as can be.

Up Next: Get that cinematic look →
The Magic of Magic Hour — Photography & Film (2024)

FAQs

What is the magic hour for photography? ›

The last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise are coveted by professional photographers. Referred to as “the golden hour” or “magic hour,” these times provide the perfect light to capture stunning photos. Learning to harness the power of the golden hour is a tool every photographer can use.

What is the magic hour in film? ›

According to StudioBinder, magic hour refers to the period before sunrise and after sunset, which creates cooler tones like blue and purple, as opposed to golden hour's red and orange. The term is often used interchangeably with “magic hour,” though some purists view them as similar but separate timeframes.

What is the reason photographers like to shoot during the magic hour at sunrise and sunset? ›

MAGIC HOUR DEFINITION

For photography, this specific time can be ideal for matching the hues and colors of lights and buildings. As a result, the glow of magic hour photography is less intense, not as bright, and less yellow than that of golden hour.

What is the magic hour in your name? ›

In photography, the golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. The golden hour is also sometimes called the "magic hour," especially by cinematographers and photographers.

What happens in magic hour? ›

Julia Cates was one of the preeminent child psychiatrists in the country, but a scandal shattered her confidence, ruined her career, and made her a media target. When she gets a desperate call from her estranged sister, Ellie, a police chief in their small western Washington hometown, she jumps at the chance to escape.

How long does a magic hour last? ›

Magic Hour is the hour before sunrise (it's usually more pink) and the hour after sunset (it's usually more purple). Golden Hour is the hour after sunrise (usually more red) and the hour before sunset (actual gold).

What is referred to as the magical hour Why? ›

The first hours after birth are a developmentally distinct time for a baby and there are well documented short and long term physical and psychological advantages when a baby is held skin-to- skin during this time.

What happens in the end of magic hour? ›

At the end of the narrative, Ellie and Cal get married. Alice starts school, and Max proposes to Julia who stays in Rain Valley. She plans to open a practice and work part-time. She attributes her renewed outlook on life to Alice's appearance.

What are the colors of the magic hour? ›

Magic hour is when you get sky exposure low enough to get great sky detail if you have clouds and if not then it's when midnight blue makes an appearance even though it's not midnight! This deep blue colour in the sky works perfectly with yellow light pouring from windows and door ways caused by tungsten light bulbs.

How does golden hour make you feel? ›

Used as dreamy backlight, Golden Hour sun can evoke nostalgia and happiness, and a sense of youth.

Why is photography so beautiful? ›

It's In The Details – As photographers we notice the small things. It's the details that bring an experience together. We notice textures, nature, light, expressions, and surroundings. This allows us to capture the beauty in every situation.

What is the secret to photographing a sunrise or sunset? ›

Use a tripod whenever possible

Shooting while the sun rises or sets means you'll be working with less light than you might be used to, so if you want to avoid camera shake and experiment with longer exposures, a tripod is essential.

What does Kimi no mean? ›

5y. Kimi means you - and no is a possessive particle that turns kimino into yours or your - for example the famous anime movie kimi no na wa is your name in Japanese.

What is the meaning of kimi no nawa? ›

Anime. · 3y. The Name in English is 'Your Name' which is 'Kimi No Na Wa'(君の名は。) in Japanese. 'Kimi No na Mai Wa' Means 'What is your Name' in Japanese.

What does Katawaredoki mean? ›

She teaches the class about the word, "Kataware-doki" (meaning twilight). She also appeared in Shinkai's previous film The Garden of Words.

What is the best hour to take photos? ›

Professional photographers swear by the perfect light of the "golden hour," which lasts for about an hour right after sunrise and an hour right before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and offers a soft, diffused light.

What is the golden hour effect in photography? ›

Golden hour occurs roughly one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. It's the day when the sun is lower than usual in the sky but not obscured by the horizon. This creates a warm, soft, and dreamy aesthetic light with an orange glow that adds radiance to photos.

What is the golden hour and blue hour in photography? ›

The golden hour occurs just after sunrise and before sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon, creating that signature warm glow. The blue hour arrives shortly before sunrise and after sunset, when the sun's position just below the horizon produces those cooler tones.

What is photographers blue hour? ›

However, a time of day that is often unappreciated in photography is the time just before or after the sun has disappeared. The half an hour or so before the sun rises or after is sets is a fantastic time to take photos, with the beautiful soft tones and peaceful blue hues of the 'blue hour'.

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