Capturing Perfect Family Photos in Mountain Wildflower Meadows at Golden Hour

I can’t get enough of beautiful wildflower mountain meadows and golden hour light! As a photographer based in Southwest Wyoming, specializing in sessions at Bear Lake, Utah, and mountain wildflower photography, I understand the magic of capturing family moments during this enchanting time of day. Recently, I was mentoring a fellow photographer who was struggling to get the right amount of light during golden hour without too much haze or blowing out their subjects. Here are a few tips we discussed that I wanted to share with you:

Tips for Reducing Haze and Flare During Golden Hour

Use a Lens Hood A lens hood can help block stray light from hitting the front element of your lens, reducing haze and flare. Make sure to use the correct hood for your lens. This simple accessory can make a big difference in the clarity of your photos.
Change Your Angle Adjust your shooting angle relative to the sun. Try positioning yourself so the sun is to the side or behind you instead of directly in front of you. This adjustment can help control the amount of direct light entering your lens, minimizing haze and creating beautiful backlighting effects.
Shield Your Lens Use your hand, a hat, or a piece of cardboard to shield the lens from direct sunlight. Be careful not to include the shielding object in the frame. This technique is a quick fix to reduce unwanted glare and haze when you’re out in the field without additional equipment.
Stop Down the Aperture Narrowing your aperture (using a higher f-stop) can reduce the amount of light entering the lens, which can help minimize haze. However, this might also increase your depth of field. Experiment with different f-stop settings to find the perfect balance between sharpness and light control.
Avoid Shooting Directly into the Sun Position the sun slightly out of the frame or behind an object (like a tree or building) to reduce direct sunlight hitting your lens. This positioning can help you capture the warm, golden glow of the hour without overwhelming your sensor with too much light.

Experimenting with these tips can help you find the right balance and capture beautiful, haze-free photos during the golden hour. Whether you’re photographing in the stunning wildflower meadows of Southwest Wyoming or the serene landscapes of Bear Lake, Utah, these techniques will enhance the quality of your images and preserve those precious family moments.

Happy Shooting! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

At Grandy Photography, we love helping fellow photographers and families alike capture the beauty of nature and the warmth of togetherness. If you’re looking to book a family photography session in the picturesque mountain wildflower meadows or need more photography tips, feel free to reach out!