The Magic Hour

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How do you create a postcard image from an otherwise blah subject? Shoot during the magic hour. Actually, there are two magic hours. The magic hours are the hour before sunset and the hour before sunrise. This is when the sun is at the lowest angle possible. High in the mountains, the wide open spaces of the Great Plains or along the shoreline of a decent size body of water will yield the lowest angled light due to fewer obstructions towards the horizon. You will obtain a higher contrast and additional color.

My favorite time is in the morning. I especially like mornings during the warmer months when you have a greater chance of water vapor in the air. Fog can provide a more dramatic effect. It also provides more of a canvas for the suns warm glow to paint.

It is sometimes tough to get up before the sun. Here are a few tips:
· Look for several potential locations the day before.
· If possible, stay close to the locations. This is a real good excuse to go camping.
· Determine how long it will take you to get there.
· Find out the time of sunrise/sunset.
· Use a compass the day before to determine where the sun will be on the horizon.
· Use a tri-pod.
Don’t believe me? Find a blah subject during high noon that will also have very low angle sunlight on it in the morning or evening. Shoot from the same spot at noon and during a magic hour. You will see what I mean.