If you ask any photographer—amateur or professional—what the most important element of a great photograph is, nine times out of ten, the answer will be light. Not the camera, not the lens, but the quality of the light itself.
And in the South West of Western Australia, we are blessed with some of the most magical light on earth, especially during the hours photographers reverently call the “Golden Hour.” But what exactly makes this time of day so special? Let’s pull back the curtain.
A true portrait isn’t made by a perfect pose. It’s found in the unguarded moment between them, in the light that reveals a soul, not just a smile.
– William Dickie
What Is Golden Hour?
Golden Hour refers to the period shortly after sunrise and, more popularly, just before sunset. The sun is low on the horizon, casting its light across the landscape at a gentle, oblique angle. This isn’t the harsh, overhead glare of a midday sun; it’s a soft, diffused, and wonderfully warm light that seems to make everything it touches glow from within.
The Science of the Magic (The Simple Version)
During this time, sunlight has to travel through a greater thickness of the Earth’s atmosphere. This atmospheric filter scatters the blue and violet light waves (which are shorter), allowing the warmer red, orange, and yellow wavelengths to dominate. The result? That famous golden hue that feels both dramatic and incredibly flattering.
Why the South West Golden Hour is Hard To Beat
While golden hour happens everywhere, our unique region adds its own special ingredients to the mix:
The Clean, Crisp Air: After the rain clears (a common feature of our winters!), the air in the South West is remarkably clear of dust and pollution. This allows the golden light to travel uninterrupted, resulting in a light that is incredibly pure and vibrant, perfect for highlighting the textures of our vineyards and forests.
The Landscape as a Canvas: Our rolling hills, vast farmlands, and the expanse of the ocean near Bunbury and Busselton provide uninterrupted horizons. This means the low sun can paint its golden brushstrokes across entire valleys, creating breathtaking scenes of light and shadow you simply can’t get in a cityscape.
The “Mist-ical” Element: Especially in places like the Preston Valley or around Donnybrook on a cool morning, gentle mist often lingers in the hollows. The golden hour light cuts through this mist, creating ethereal rays of light and adding a layer of depth and mystery to the landscape that is pure magic.
The Perfect Portrait Light: For families, couples, and individuals, this light is a gift. It erases imperfections, warms skin tones, and creates a beautiful, natural catchlight in the eyes. It allows me to create portraits that are soft, romantic, and brimming with life, without a single harsh shadow.
How to Make the Most of It
Plan Ahead: Check the sunset or sunrise time for your location. Aim to start your session about 60-90 minutes before sunset or just after sunrise.
Embrace the Glow: Position your subjects so the light is coming from the side (rim light) or from behind them (backlight) to create that gorgeous halo effect.
Work Fast: The magic doesn’t last long. The best light often happens in a fleeting 20-minute window, so being prepared is key.
Trust Your Photographer: We know how to chase this light. We have favourite spots in the Ferguson Valley and across the South West that are perfectly oriented to catch the day’s last, best rays.
Chasing and harnessing this incredible light is one of the greatest joys of my job. It’s a daily reminder that the most powerful tool in my camera bag isn’t made of glass or metal—it’s a gift from the sky, perfected by the unique character of our beautiful South West.
Make a Booking
Let’s find your perfect golden hour moment.
admin
Great post. Love It!