Guides to light and time
An easy-to-follow overview of how golden hour, blue hour, and twilight work, plus photography tips.
What Is Golden Hour
The definition of golden hour that photographers love, and when it begins and ends, explained by the sun's altitude.
Blue Hour Fully Explained
The short, blue window that arrives just before and after golden hour: how blue hour works and how to use it.
The Three Twilights: Civil, Nautical & Astronomical
The definitions and altitude criteria of the civil, nautical, and astronomical twilights that separate dawn from dusk.
A Guide to Magic-Hour Photography
Practical tips for getting great photos during the magic hour that spans golden hour and blue hour.
How Sunrise and Sunset Are Calculated
The principles of the astronomical calculation that finds sunrise and sunset times from just latitude, longitude, and date.
Why the Midnight Sun and Polar Night Occur
The principle behind the midnight sun and polar night, when the sun never sets or never rises at high latitudes.
The Relationship Between Sun Altitude and Seasons
An easy explanation of why noon altitude and day length change from season to season.
Preparing for Sunrise and Sunset Photos
A sunrise and sunset shooting checklist, from choosing a location to calculating the time and packing gear.