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In photography, the golden hour is the first and last hour of sun during the day when a specific photographic effect is achieved with the quality of the light during these hours.

Typically, lighting will be softer ( more diffuse ) and warm in hue, and shadows will be quite pronounced as a result of the sun being so close to parallel with the horizon. This is because (1) the sun light is travelling further through the atmosphere, and (2) coming from a less harsh side angle, instead of straight down. The Golden Hour is a mild version of Alpine glow, as described by Galen Rowell.

During the golden hour, highlights are less likely to be overexposed. This is often considered aesthetically pleasing in comparison to photos taken during the middle of the day when bright overhead sunlight creates overexposed highlights and deep, dark shadows. The degree to which this will occur will vary as different types of film and digital cameras have varying dynamic ranges.

This is particularly important in portrait photography where a fill flash is often necessary to balance the exposure of the subject, as strong shadows on the face are considered undesirable. However, during the golden hour, such shadows are less pronounced.

In landscape photography, warm hues are considered desirable to 'enhance' the colours; capture a warmer hue as well as more vibrant, saturated tones.