Shooting at 'Golden Hour' & Why Timing Matters for Your Session

Beautiful Dreamy Light

During Golden Hour, the lighting is soft and warm, which is perfect for pet photography. The light will help to bring out the natural colours of your pet's fur and will make them look their best. It truly is magical and I love all of it from "the blue hour" to "the orange hour."

There are so many opportunities to get beautiful silhouettes, sun-filled backgrounds and of course, stunning sunsets featuring your furry bestie.

Less People, Other Dogs & Distractions

Golden Hour, especially sunrise, usually means fewer people at the park or out and about in a city setting. This is great news for dog moms and dads who have anxious or reactive pups. At sunrise, local parks and popular spots tend to be less busy and can be a perfect choice for keeping distractions to a minimum.

If you’re considering an urban location, it’s best to get started well before shops and restaurants begin to open. You may have to rise a little early, but this ensures your pup’s time is extra special.

Beat the Heat & Keep Your Pup Comfortable

While we all enjoy a #tongueouttuesday photo, that may not be what you want for your gallery wall. Dog photographers tend to shoot around sunrise and sunset to avoid heat stress on dogs. During the hotter parts of the day, dogs can easily overheat and become uncomfortable. Dog owners should always be on the lookout for signs of heat stress in their pets, such as heavy panting and drooling.

Golden Hour really is the perfect time of day for a pet photography session. The light during this period has a beautiful dreamy quality, meaning that your dog will be well-lit and have their fur captured beautifully in photos without being too intense or harsh.

You'll also find less people around so you can avoid distractions from other dogs or humans as they walk past - making it easier to focus on capturing those perfect moments with your pup. And finally, Golden Hour is usually cooler than midday which means your furry friend won't get overheated while posing for pics!