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How to capture aerial golden moments
The golden hour of aerial photography is the magical time when most people are still asleep or just finishing dinner. Capturing this moment can be challenging, but with the right conditions—like low-angle sunlight and a warm color temperature—it opens up incredible creative possibilities. When the camera settings are properly adjusted, the light casts dramatic shadows, allowing for striking silhouette shots that add depth and emotion to your images. This is what makes the effort all worthwhile.
Here are some expert tips to help you capture the perfect aerial golden hour:
*Source: Romeo Durscher*
**Use ND Filters**
ND filters, also known as neutral density filters, help control the amount of light entering the lens. They allow you to maintain a slower shutter speed even in bright conditions, which is essential for smooth video footage. During sunrise or sunset, when the light is intense, using an ND filter prevents overexposure. For the best results during golden hour, use an ND4 filter. If you're shooting in snowy conditions, consider using an ND16 or ND32 to further reduce light intensity.
*Source: City of the Sky*
**Shoot in RAW or D-LOG Format**
Golden hour can be tricky because the lighting often creates high contrast between the subject and the background. Shooting in RAW or D-LOG format allows you to retain more detail and dynamic range, giving you greater flexibility during post-processing. These formats may look flat in preview, but they offer rich tones and colors once edited. Additionally, using AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) helps preserve both highlights and shadows for a more balanced final image.
*Source: Huifei aerial photography teacher Song Xinbao*
**Find a Strong Foreground**
Including a foreground element like trees, buildings, or bridges adds depth and dimension to your composition. During golden hour, these elements cast long, dramatic shadows that create interesting visual layers and enhance the mood of your shot.
*Source: Huifei aerial photography teacher Song Xinbao*
**Fly Low for Better Shadow Play**
While flying high gives a wide perspective, low-angle shots using a drone’s gimbal or rail can capture the subtle interplay of light and shadow on the ground. This technique is especially effective during golden hour when the sun is low and shadows are long.
*Source: Huifei aerial photography teacher Song Xinbao*
**Capture the Blue Hour**
The 20 minutes after sunset, known as the blue hour, offer a unique opportunity for aerial photography. The sky still holds soft hues, while city lights begin to glow. This time is ideal for capturing urban nightscapes with a dreamy, atmospheric feel.
*Source: Huifei aerial photography teacher Liu Jun*
**Plan Ahead**
To make the most of golden hour, arrive early at the location. This gives you time to set up your drone, test your camera settings, and predict how the light will affect your shot. Adjusting white balance and exposure in advance ensures you’re ready when the moment arrives.
*Source: Stacy Garlington*
Capturing the golden hour in aerial photography is an art form that requires patience, preparation, and a keen eye for light. Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or urban scenes, these tips can help you create breathtaking images that truly stand out.
Have any of your own secrets for capturing the golden hour? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!