I was up early this morning and looked out the back door.

I noticed the sky was exquisitely colored in hues of cotton candy pink and violet purple.

The photographs for today’s blog were taken in my back yard.  The top of my wooden picket fence and a few of the maple trees are visible.  Their black outlines make for interesting details.

However, within five minutes, the sun pushed up a little higher and the beautiful scene was forever gone.

Golden Hour Morning Photograph of Sky

It was worth getting up extra early to see this beautiful sky.

In photography, this time of the morning is also known as the golden hour.

The golden hour is said to be the hour before sunrise and the hour before sunset.

The golden hour is not exactly 60 minutes long.  It is important in photography since it cannot be reproduced in a studio or with lights.

It is a time when the sunlight is soft, diffuse, and even a bit surreal.

Pink and Purple Sky

Tips for taking photographs during the golden hour would be to check the times the sun will rise and set so that you will be ready.

I only had a few minutes to capture this sunrise.

If you use a tripod, now would be the time to get it out so you don’t shake the camera.  However, I only used my camera phone for the photographs on today’s blog.

So be ready with your camera for the million dollar view at the golden hour time of day.

Sunrise in My Back Yard

Today is open blog day.  I would love to hear your opinion on any topic previously covered in my blog.  Please send a reply in the comment section below.  Thanks.