Top 10 Tips for Capturing Golden Hour Magic on the California Coast

It's no wonder with my love of the beach and coastal settings that I find myself having clients constantly ask for sunset sessions. And it truly is one of the most spectacular times of the day when the sunsets sing in cotton candy pinks, corals, tangerine and deep purple hues lending an air of romance and awe to any photo shoot. There are a few special considerations with the constantly changing light that goes from warm to cool in minutes and with all these added colors bouncing around. Did you know that shadows have colors?

For couples planning a coastal wedding in California, there's nothing quite like the enchanting glow of golden hour. This magical time of day, when the sun dips low on the horizon and bathes everything in warm, golden light, is the perfect backdrop for capturing your love story. As an experienced coastal wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless breathtaking moments during golden hour, and I'm here to share my top tips for making the most of this special time. Here's also several highlight images below as well as some IG real life fun from our family and travels as we chase the sunsets and capture the awe.

1. Choose the Perfect Location

The California coast is brimming with stunning venues, each offering unique features to complement your wedding vision. Whether you envision exchanging vows on a sandy beach or atop a rugged cliff, choosing the right location is key to capturing the beauty of golden hour. I'll work closely with you to scout the perfect spot, ensuring the light enhances every detail of your special day. For proposals, engagements and elopements, especially if its destination, we offer special sessions to make sure every detail is planned to a tee!

"The right location transforms golden hour into pure magic, elevating your wedding day to unforgettable heights."

2. Timing is Everything

Golden hour typically occurs an hour before sunset, providing just enough time to capture those dreamy, sunlit shots. I'll help you plan your timeline to ensure we're ready to capture the moment when the light is at its most beautiful. Arriving early allows us to take advantage of every golden minute, capturing your love story in its most magical light. We will plan a few extra minutes to enjoy the colors shifting to dusk which creates a stunning backdrop.

"When you plan around golden hour, the lighting transforms every shot into a piece of art."

3. Embrace the Ocean's Natural Beauty

The ocean is a stunning backdrop and a natural reflector, bouncing light onto you and your guests for a soft, ethereal glow. Positioning you with the ocean in the background adds depth and warmth to your photos, making every image feel like a painting. It's the perfect way to enhance your coastal wedding with the natural beauty of California's beaches. We also have special reflectors and light modifiers that help make you look your best so that we capture the color and can create good skin tones as well. Some of this magic, of course happens in post-production.

4. Capture Romantic Silhouettes

Golden hour is the perfect time to capture romantic silhouettes. Imagine you and your partner against the vibrant sky, your outlines telling a story of love and unity. These dramatic shots add a touch of mystery and elegance to your wedding album, highlighting the romance of your special day.

5. Play with Sun Flares

Sun flares add a dreamy, romantic quality to your wedding photos. During golden hour, I love incorporating these flares to create a magical, fairytale effect. Whether it’s a gentle kiss or a shared laugh, sun flares can highlight those special moments and add an extra layer of beauty to your images.

6. Experiment with Different Angles

Golden hour offers endless possibilities for creativity. I'll capture your love from various angles, ensuring every shot is unique and captivating. From wide-angle views of the coastline to intimate close-ups of tender moments, the golden light allows us to explore different perspectives and tell your story in the most beautiful way.

7. Focus on the Details

While the grand scenery of a coastal wedding is breathtaking, don't forget the little details that make your day unique. The soft, golden light beautifully highlights the intricate lace of your dress, the delicate petals of your bouquet, or the sparkle of your rings. These details add depth and texture to your photos, capturing the essence of your wedding.

8. Trust in Expert Timing

Balancing the contrast between light and shadow during golden hour requires skill and expertise. I'll ensure every image captures the dynamic range of this beautiful time, preserving details in both the highlights and shadows. Trust in a seasoned professional to make the most of this light, so you can relax and enjoy the moment. Really be present with each other. I often ask couples to take a few moments and just pretend I'm not there. This is an incredibly special time for you and I want you to soak it all in. If there's splash or wind, we make the most of it as Mother Nature likes to add to the drama.

"A seasoned photographer knows how to balance light and shadow, turning every moment into a masterpiece."

9. Incorporate Natural Movement

The gentle ocean breeze and crashing waves add a dynamic element to your wedding photos. I'll capture the movement of your veil in the wind or the playful interaction between you and your partner, bringing your images to life with energy and emotion. These candid moments reflect the joy and love you share.

10. Stay for the Twilight Magic

Don't rush off once the sun sets; the moments just after golden hour, during twilight, offer beautiful pastel hues and a serene atmosphere. The fading light creates a tranquil and romantic backdrop for your final shots, adding a touch of magic to your wedding day memories. Those extra 15 minutes are seriously some of my favorite and we never know exactly what we're going to get but I promise it's always something magical.

Capture Your Love Story with Us

Golden hour on the California coast is truly a photographer's dream, and it can make your wedding photos unforgettable. With expert guidance and a keen eye for detail, we'll capture the essence of your love story in the most stunning light. If you're ready to make your coastal wedding dreams a reality, schedule a call with us today. Let's create beautiful memories together!