10 Mar 2010, Posted by David Torcivia in Articles,Filmmaking,General, 2 Comments

Golden Hour Calculator

Golden or Magic hour is the photographer’s and filmmakers favorite part of the day. Found right after sunrise and right before sunset, the quality of light during this period is phenomenal. Lighting is soft and warm, shadows are long, contrast is low, and the low angle of the sun illuminates the sky. The middle of the day, in contrast, tends to be bright and washed out with a tendency towards heavy contrast and overexposure.

The calculation of this time can be a bit of hearsay for the casual or calculations frustrated filmmaker or photographer. Fortunately, there exists The Golden Hour Calculator. This nifty site automatically detects your location (though also allows you to select via coordinates or clicks a custom location) and gives the exact times of magic hour in addition to detailed information on the sun’s position, angled, and other information.  This clever site is an invaluable tool for the light concious artist.

[The Golden Hour Calculator]