Golden Hour

Tips for the envy-inducing holiday photos you could be taking.

Captured with the Galaxy S9

Golden hour is the first and last hour of sunlight in the day, and the ideal time to take stunning photos. This summer, head to your favourite holiday spot to capture sunrise and sunset photos that will have the “likes” rolling in. Here’s our guide for the best golden hour photography on your mobile phone—no fancy ISO settings required.

Sunset photography shot with the Galaxy Note8

Photo by nexss / @next_pisa

Captured with the Galaxy Note8

Timing is everything

Despite the name, golden hour is usually only 20 minutes and depends greatly on the weather and your location. The best way to capture this magical light is to figure out exactly when sunrise or sunset occurs then head out a couple of hours early. (Trust us, the early wake-up call is worth it.)

Sunset photography transit shot captured with the Galaxy Note9

Burst Mode

Make sure you get a golden shot. Use Burst Mode on the Galaxy S9 to capture up to 20 pics with one touch.

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Photo by AXEL / @axelceha

Captured with the Galaxy Note9

Quantity = quality

Time flies during the golden hour and the light can go from bright to low in a matter of seconds. To make sure you nail that photo and don’t end up with an Insta-fail, make sure you turn on Burst shot to capture as many photos as possible.

Burst Mode

Make sure you get a golden shot. Use Burst Mode on the Galaxy S9 to capture up to 20 pics with one touch.

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Pro Mode lets you adjust your ISO camera settings for sunrise and sunset

Captured with the Galaxy S9 with Pro Mode

Photo by @jessemadrid

A little shadow play

Use the longer, softer shadows of golden hour to your advantage. Have your subject stand directly in front of the light source to create stunning backlight. Play with the light source by partially blocking it with your hand and creating sun spots, or finding new angles to create bewitching shadows and reflections.

Rooftop sunset photography with the Galaxy S7 Edge

Captured with the Galaxy S7 Edge

Cheers to holiday glow

Once you get a photo that you love, edit to your liking and upload straight to your favourite social feed. Then sit back, relax, and watch the envious likes roll in.