Mastering Golden Hour: The Best Time to Capture Magical Photos
Golden hour refers to the short window right after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The light during this magical time is soft, warm, and naturally diffused — ideal for capturing stunning, emotional photographs that radiate warmth and beauty.
At Maple Stories, we often schedule our pre-wedding shoots and portrait sessions during golden hour across the scenic backdrops of Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey to get that perfect golden glow our couples love.
Why It’s Ideal for Photography
Soft Shadows: Unlike the harsh midday sun, golden hour light wraps gently around the subject, minimizing strong shadows and producing flattering portraits.
Warm Tones: That golden hue enhances skin tones and adds a dreamy, romantic atmosphere — ideal for candid wedding photography in Kerala.
Depth and Texture: The directional light and long shadows create beautiful depth, making every shot feel cinematic — a perfect match for our cinematic wedding films and pre-wedding shoots in Kochi.
Tips from Maple Stories for Golden Hour Photography
Plan Ahead: Golden hour is short — usually 30 to 60 minutes — so we always scout locations in advance and arrive early to set up.
Use Backlighting Creatively: We often shoot against the sun to create glowing halos around couples — a signature of our candid wedding photography style.
Adjust White Balance: Manually setting the white balance helps retain that soft, warm light that makes golden hour so magical.
Go Wide with Aperture: We love using wide apertures (like f/1.8–f/2.8) to create dreamy bokeh backgrounds in couple portraits.
At Maple Stories, We Chase the Light for You
Whether it’s an early morning shoot by the backwaters or a romantic sunset on a beach, Maple Stories Weddings specializes in using natural light to tell your love story with emotion, elegance, and artistry.
As one of the leading candid wedding photographers in Kochi and Kerala, our goal is to give you images that feel timeless and full of soul.
Let us help you turn golden hour into golden memories.