Raj’s (xdrive photography lesson) valuable feedback to the use of a neutral density filter and monochrome in the initial submission of the golden hour lesson awakened me to how I was limiting my exploration of the soft light and golden shades found within the golden hour.
With the awareness that I have learned a great deal through Raj’s photo lessons, I set up a still life of the oranges below on my veranda during the golden hour…absent a neutral density filter.
Nikon D750 f/5.6 1/40s 35mm ISO 100
It has been my experience that the golden hour in Northeastern Colorado is impacted by the Rocky Mountain foothills as the light remains harsh for an extended period of time and disappears quickly as the sun moves behind the foothills. Also, a soft quality of light seems to require a cloud bank to serve as a reflector to the hidden sun’s rays. Otherwise, the available light often is more of a glaring quality than a golden soft glow.
D750 f/7.1 1/250s 85mm ISO 320
Nikon D750 f/5.6 1/500s 85mm ISO 100
The golden hour offers great shadows and rim lighting …
A panorama of the Rocky Mountain foothills…September 15, 2016 at 6:53 p.m. Sunset at 7:08 pm
Nikon D750 f/7,1 1/250s 300mm ISO 320
As always, Raj I thank you for your time and valuable feedback. Looking forward to your next lessons.
a meditative journey 
You must be logged in to post a comment.