Common Goldeneye in flight during the “Golden Hour” – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Not quite two years ago there was a break in the cold, dreary weather of winter and the storms had cleared out the worst of the inversion so I went to one of the local ponds to see what birds were there. I probably had a bad case of cabin fever and needed to get out even if it was just for a few minutes.
There is a period of time that photographers call the “Golden Hour” in the early morning and late afternoon during which time the daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is high in the sky and that is because the light is more diffused since it has to pass through the atmosphere at a greater distance compared to when the sun is higher in the sky.
The word “hour” is used loosely because the period of time where the light is golden varies according to season, latitude and in my case here in Utah, the proximity of the mountains. I know I don’t like wasting that golden light at all, I want to be where there are birds in front of me during that time period and I put my entire focus on photographing them.
When I lived in Florida and photographed birds I had more golden light to do that in because there weren’t any mountains there to block the best light early in the day or late in the evening. Here in Utah the closer I am to the Wasatch Mountains when photographing birds in the morning the longer I have to wait for the sun to rise above the peaks and that can mean I don’t get that “golden hour” light.
Close to home in the late afternoon though I can and do get that beautiful, soft light because the Oquirrh Mountains to the west aren’t nearly as tall as the Wasatch Mountains and they only block the sun briefly before sunset so when there aren’t any clouds the light can be spectacular here during the late afternoon.
I’m grateful when I can photograph a drake Common Goldeneye in flight during the “Golden Hour” or any other bird I see through my viewfinder. I took that light for granted in Florida most of the time but I sure don’t here in Utah.
Speaking of light, it sure looks like I will be struggling to find it for nearly the rest of this month.
Just taking a peek at the fifteen day forecast made me groan this morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Goldeneye photos plus facts and information about this species.
I hope your golden hours do appear. And feel for you on the weather front, though ours is very different (and still has me skulking indoors).
Great shot of the drake.
Yesterday the ground had been cleared of all snow due to warm temps and rain. This morning it was 2 above 0 and everything had a blanket of white! At least today is beautiful out, but damn cold! Not looking forward to receiving your weather in a few days. Look on the bright side, there is ALWAYS a picture out there somewhere, bird, mammal, scenery!
A beaut
A beUt
Great shots of the Goldeneye drake. Ducks are migrating to the Tampa Bay area along with the wading, song, and shore birds. Weather has been fantastic the past few weeks and we will see a few clouds today. Thought I would visit Fort De Soto Park or Honeymoon Island today and tomorrow to paint. Will be thinking of you when the sun sets with the golden light. Winter sunrises in Safety Harbor are full of color this time of the year. Your photos are terrific no matter what light or weather you contend with in Utah. Thanks for sharing. Bob