If you’ve ever scheduled a photo session with me, you’ve probably heard me mention “golden hour.” It’s one of my favorite times to shoot, and for good reason! Golden hour photography is magical. In this post, I’m breaking down what golden hour is, why it makes such a difference in your photos, and how we use it here in Syracuse to capture stunning images—no matter the season.
What is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. During this time, the light is softer, warmer, and more flattering than during the harsh midday sun. Instead of bright, direct light that creates shadows and squinting eyes, golden hour gives us that dreamy glow you see in so many of my photos.
Here in Syracuse, golden hour typically starts about 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset or 1 to 1.5 hours after sunrise. In the spring and summer, that means we’re usually shooting around 6:30–8:00 PM. In fall, it can be a bit earlier. I always check the exact time before scheduling your session to make sure we hit that perfect window!
Golden hour photography – Why It Matters for Your Photos
Golden hour light helps:
- Create soft, even skin tones (goodbye, harsh shadows!)
- Add a beautiful natural glow to hair and surroundings
- Highlight warm colors in nature, like golden grass, flowers, and fall leaves
- Give your photos a romantic, timeless feel
Basically, golden hour light is nature’s filter—and it’s 100% worth planning for.
Best Syracuse Spots for Golden Hour Photography
We’re lucky in Syracuse to have some truly stunning outdoor locations that shine during golden hour. A few of my favorites include:
- Green Lakes State Park – gorgeous greenery, wide-open skies, and glowing lake reflections.
- Labrador Hollow Unique Area – perfect trails and meadows for dreamy family or senior portraits.
- Upper Onondaga Park – with long walking paths and open space for playful, candid shots.
Each of these spots takes on a magical quality when the light is just right—and I know them well enough to time your session for the best possible results.
Planning Your Session
If you’re booking a senior session, engagement shoot, or family photos, I’ll always recommend we aim for golden hour. I’ll work with you to choose a location, timing, and even help with outfit planning to make sure your session is stress-free and beautiful from start to finish.
Golden hour might be short, but the photos last a lifetime.
Ready to book your golden hour session in Syracuse?
If you are looking for a Syracuse NY Photographer, you can send me an email, and I will get back to you. You can also head to my website for more details and see more of my work on Instagram and Facebook.
