How To Make Any Photo Look Like Golden Hour (WITHOUT editing!)
Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers create stunning, timeless images - and grow their craft with confidence.
This guide is for photographers who love the warm, dreamy look of golden hour but don’t always get to shoot at sunset. If your sessions happen midday, under cloudy skies, or even indoors, you can still achieve that same glow - without relying on Photoshop or Lightroom.
Why Golden Hour Isn’t Your Only Option
Golden hour is every photographer’s dream light. But schedules, weather, and location don’t always cooperate. The good news? You can mimic that golden look anytime with just your camera.
These techniques work for:
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Family sessions in New Jersey
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Engagement shoots in New York
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Lifestyle portraits in Austin, Texas
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Or anywhere you’re chasing that warm, soft light
What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial
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How to use white balance and exposure settings to fake the golden glow
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The secret to lens flares and warm tones using only your camera
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How placement, background, and angle affect warmth and softness
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Why color temperature matters - and how to tweak it fast on-site
No apps, no presets - just smart use of light and gear to create golden vibes, even at 2 PM.
Why This Works (Even in Harsh Light)
I’ve tested this technique everywhere:
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✔ Rooftops in NYC
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✔ Beaches on the Jersey Shore
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✔ Rustic parks and city streets in Austin
By controlling how your camera reads light - and understanding how your subject interacts with it - you can transform harsh daylight into buttery tones that look like they were taken right at sunset. It’s quick, effective, and cuts down on editing time while improving your overall image quality.
My Go-To Camera Settings for the Golden Hour Look
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White Balance: Set to cloudy or shade (never auto)
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Exposure: Slightly overexpose to brighten skin tones
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Lens Position: Angle into the sun to catch flares and edge glow
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Background: Look for warm-toned elements like tall grass, beige walls, or sunlit trees
Watch the Video for a Live Walkthrough
🎥 Watch: How To Make Any Photo Look Like Golden Hour (WITHOUT Editing!)
In the video, you’ll see me demonstrate these tricks in real time, plus I’ll share my favorite lenses and gear for creating warm, glowing portraits in any setting.
