Photographing during the Golden Hour of the day is exciting because it can yield truly memorable and beautiful results. The beautiful first and last hours of the day-when shadows lengthen and the light becomes warm and rich from the lower position of the sun-are fleeting, so it is important to plan ahead.

Arrive at your destination well in advance and explore to determine prime spots for ideal compositions. You will lose the light incredibly fast, so don’t waste those precious minutes setting up and scouting.

Don’t forget to check weather and traffic conditions before setting out. Nothing is more disappointing than having your heart set on an afternoon photo excursion only to be rained out or stuck in a traffic jam on the way. This is especially crucial if you are shooting for a professional assignment; always have a plan B in place and don’t wait to the last day, because Murphy’s Law kicks in at the most inconvenient times!

It’s easy to become transfixed by the beauty of the sunset. It sounds like common sense, but when shooting directly into the sun, be careful to protect your eyes.  Also be careful about exposing your camera lens to direct sunlight for a great length of time to prevent possible damage to it and/or the sensor.

After the light fades, don’t automatically pack up and leave. For a photographer with a fast lens and a tripod, twilight is also a wonderful time to shoot. The colors in the sky are much darker and more subtle, but when the subject is right, you have the makings for a striking image.