How is the light during the golden hour typically described?

During the golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset, light is typically described as warm, yellow, and rich. This phenomenon occurs because the sun is low on the horizon, resulting in a longer path through the atmosphere for sunlight. As it passes through more air, shorter wavelengths of light are scattered out of view, leaving the longer wavelengths, which give off golden, soft tones.

This warm light enhances colors and textures in photography, making it ideal for creating visually appealing images. Photographers often seek this type of light to achieve a certain mood or atmosphere in their work. The richness of the colors in golden hour light can create dramatic contrasts and highlights, adding depth to photographs that is less pronounced during midday light, which tends to be harsher and more neutral in color.