The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. The sun is low, the light is warm, and shadows are long. Photographers call it the golden hour, and it is the most sought-after light of the day. The atmosphere scatters blue light more than red, so the sun's rays travel through more atmosphere at low angles and arrive warmer and softer. Skin tones glow. Landscapes take on depth. Colors are saturated without being harsh.

The golden hour is not exactly an hour. It depends on latitude and season. Near the equator it is short. At higher latitudes it can last much longer. The light changes quickly. The first ten minutes after sunrise are different from the last ten minutes before sunset. Morning light is often clearer and calmer. Evening light is warmer and dustier. Photographers plan around it. They scout locations in advance, check the sun's position with apps, and arrive early. The golden hour is forgiving. It flatters almost any subject. But it is also fleeting. When it is gone, it is gone.

What to shoot during golden hour

• Portraits. Warm light flatters skin tones.
• Landscapes. Long shadows add depth and texture.
• Cityscapes. Buildings glow with warm light.
• Silhouettes. Backlit subjects against a bright sky.

Golden hour is not the only good light. Overcast days, blue hour, and even harsh midday sun can work. But golden hour is the easiest light to love.