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

As a coastal wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing some of the most beautiful moments during the enchanting golden hour. This magical time of day, when the sun dips below the horizon and bathes everything in a warm, golden glow, is truly unparalleled. Here are my top 10 tips for photographing during the golden hour on the coast in California, ensuring you create stunning, unforgettable images.

1. Know Your Location

Understanding the coastal landscape is crucial. Each beach in California offers unique features, from rocky cliffs to sandy shores. Spend time scouting the location before your shoot, paying attention to how the light interacts with the surroundings. Knowing the best spots to capture the light will help you plan your shots and maximize the beauty of the golden hour.

Key Takeaway: Familiarize yourself with the landscape and how it interacts with the light.

2. Timing is Everything

Golden hour is fleeting, typically lasting about an hour before sunset and after sunrise. Arrive early to set up and be ready to capture the first hints of golden light. Keep an eye on the weather and sunset times to ensure you don't miss a moment of this beautiful light.

Key Takeaway: Plan ahead and arrive early to make the most of the limited golden hour light.

3. Use Natural Reflectors

The ocean acts as a natural reflector, bouncing warm light onto your subjects and creating a soft, ethereal glow. Position your subjects so they benefit from this reflected light, enhancing their features and adding depth to your photos.

Key Takeaway: Utilize the ocean as a natural reflector to enhance lighting.

4. Capture Silhouettes

Golden hour is perfect for creating dramatic silhouettes. Position your subjects against the sun, capturing their outlines against the vibrant sky. This technique adds a touch of mystery and artistry to your images, highlighting the beauty of the moment.

Key Takeaway: Experiment with silhouettes to add drama and artistry to your shots.

5. Embrace the Sun Flare

Sun flares can add a dreamy, romantic quality to your photos. Position your lens partially towards the sun to capture these flares, using them to add a magical touch to your compositions. Remember, a little sun flare goes a long way, so use it sparingly for the best effect.

Key Takeaway: Use sun flares to add a dreamy quality to your images.

6. Experiment with Angles

Golden hour light is forgiving and versatile, allowing you to experiment with different angles and compositions. Try shooting from various perspectives to capture unique and interesting shots. Whether you’re aiming for wide-angle landscapes or intimate close-ups, be open to exploring new creative possibilities.

Key Takeaway: Play with angles to discover new creative possibilities.

7. Focus on Details

Golden hour isn’t just for sweeping landscapes; it’s also the perfect time to capture intricate details. Whether it's the texture of a seashell, the delicate lace of a bridal gown, or the sparkle of an engagement ring, use the soft, golden light to highlight these elements.

Key Takeaway: Use golden hour light to emphasize details and textures.

8. Balance Your Exposures

The contrast between light and shadow during golden hour can be significant. Ensure your exposure settings capture the dynamic range without losing detail in the highlights or shadows. Use spot metering to focus on your subject’s face and adjust your settings as the light changes.

Key Takeaway: Adjust exposure settings to balance light and shadow effectively.

9. Incorporate Movement

The gentle coastal breeze and ocean waves offer an opportunity to incorporate movement into your photos. Encourage your subjects to interact with their surroundings—let the wind catch a bride’s veil or capture the movement of waves crashing behind them. This adds a sense of life and energy to your images.

Key Takeaway: Capture movement to add energy and life to your photos.

10. Stay for the Twilight

Don’t pack up as soon as the sun sets. The moments just after the golden hour, during twilight, offer beautiful pastel hues and a serene atmosphere. Capture these fleeting colors to add a final touch of magic to your coastal shoot.

Key Takeaway: Extend your session into twilight for more beautiful hues and moods.

Golden hour on the California coast is truly a photographer's dream. By following these tips, you can capture the magic and create stunning images that evoke emotion and beauty. If you'd like to know more contact us, or visit our resource page to learn about honing your photography skills.

If you'd like to know more about how we can make your coastal wedding or engagement shoot unforgettable, schedule a call with us today, click on the MORE Menu, select CONTACT to schedule a call. Let's create beautiful memories together!

Sarah is a beautiful entrepreneur with an amazing brand who helps women find their way.

We planned, designed and created a beautiful visual plan to photograph Sarah on the beach for a one of a kind beach goddess photography experience where we captured who she is, her spirit and what she brings to her life and work helping others. If you'd like to know more you can find her on Instagram at @sarahbouloy

We create beautiful brands, elevate your image, and bring your most authentic self forward. Share gorgeous images of your face, your space, your product and your vibe so that your social and media reach goes further. Clients love to work with people they know, like and trust. Don't you deserve to have the visual presence that engages and converts your followers to clients, friends and colleagues?

Styling Credit to the beautifully talented hairstylist, Alexis Major. If you'd like to have a beautiful new style or refresh in SoCal, check out her profile: @Alexis.oc.hairstylist