Mastering Street & Golden Hour Photography: Tips, Gear & Techniques

If you’re passionate about street photography, you already know that being present in the right place is only half the battle. Timing is everything; there’s no better time to capture striking urban moments than during golden hour.

But what exactly is golden hour? This coveted time occurs just after sunrise and right before sunset when the sun bathes everything in warm hues of reds, golds, oranges, and yellows. The soft, directional light enhances shadows and textures, making it an ideal setting for dramatic and cinematic golden hour photos. The interplay of light and shadow creates a mood that’s hard to replicate at any other time of day, making it a favorite among photographers looking to add warmth and depth to their images.

Photos by: Quintavius Oliver, @filmgod

Street Photography Tips for Golden Hour

To make the most of this magical time, follow these essential street photography composition and lighting tips:

• Use Your Lowest ISO Setting: Keep your ISO low to minimize digital noise. Stick to settings like 50, 100, or 160 for clean, detailed shots. A lower ISO helps retain the richness of golden hour tones without introducing unnecessary grain or noise.
• Film Stock Choices: If shooting on film, opt for Kodak Ektar 100 or Kodak Portra 160 to maintain rich colors and fine grain. These stocks are particularly well-suited for golden hour because they enhance warm tones while preserving shadow details.
• Experiment with Shadows & Silhouettes: Golden hour creates long shadows and stunning silhouettes—use them to add depth and drama to your images. Position subjects against the sun to capture striking outlines that tell a story.
• Work with Lens Flares: Position your subject creatively to catch natural light flares for a dreamy effect. Slightly adjusting your angle can create artistic light bursts that add a cinematic feel to your shots.
• Opt for the Right Gear: A fast prime street photography lens, such as a 35mm or 50mm, allows you to capture fleeting moments in low light conditions. These focal lengths also provide a natural perspective, making them ideal for capturing authentic street scenes.
• Shoot in RAW Format: If you’re using a digital camera, shooting in RAW will give you greater control in post-processing, allowing you to adjust exposure and color balance to best reflect the golden hour glow.

Choosing the Best Street Photography Camera

When selecting a street photography camera, portability and quick autofocus are key. Consider:

• Mirrorless Cameras: Compact, lightweight, and excellent for low-light situations. Models like the Fujifilm X-T4 or Sony A7 III provide excellent dynamic range and fast autofocus, making them great for street photography.
• DSLRs: Provide full manual control and excellent dynamic range, ideal for those who prefer an optical viewfinder and longer battery life.
• Film Cameras: Classic and timeless, ideal for nostalgic sunset photography shots. A rangefinder like the Leica M6 paired with a 35mm lens can create stunning film-based street photography results.

For versatile results, the Nikon Z6 with the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a great choice for street photography enthusiasts, offering outstanding low-light performance and quick focusing capabilities.

Essential Accessories for Golden Hour Lighting Tips

• Portable Reflectors: Bounce warm light onto your subject, helping to fill in shadows without the need for artificial lighting.
• ND Filters: Help balance exposure when the sun is still too bright, allowing you to maintain proper depth of field without overexposing highlights.
• Tripods: Useful for longer exposures in low light. A lightweight, travel-friendly tripod can help you stabilize your camera for sharp, detailed golden hour shots.
• Lens Hoods: Reduce unwanted lens flare and protect your lens when shooting directly into the sun.
• Light Meters: For film photographers, a handheld light meter can help achieve the perfect exposure settings when dealing with changing golden hour light.

Street Photography Guide: Composing the Perfect Shot

Capturing compelling street scenes during golden hour photography involves more than just great light—it’s also about composition and storytelling. Looking for layers within the frame helps create depth, drawing the viewer’s eye through the image. Leading lines, such as roads, sidewalks, and architectural elements, can guide the eye to the main subject, enhancing the visual flow of the shot.

Candid moments are the essence of street photography. Observing and anticipating human interactions can result in images that feel alive and authentic. Be ready to capture movement, emotion, and unique urban moments as they unfold. Reflections also add a creative element—windows, puddles, or metallic surfaces can be used to introduce a new perspective, adding an artistic touch to everyday scenes.

Framing your subjects with natural elements like doorways, windows, or gaps between buildings can create visually striking compositions. This technique draws attention to the subject and provides context, anchoring them within their environment. With thoughtful composition and the right use of light, golden-hour street photography can transform ordinary urban scenes into captivating works of art.

Photos by: Quintavius Oliver, @filmgod

Get the Best Gear at KEH

Looking to upgrade your setup? At KEH, we offer a curated selection of new and pre-owned cameras, lenses, and accessories perfect for capturing the beauty of street photography and golden hour photography. Investing in high-quality gear ensures you’re always ready to capture the perfect moment, no matter the lighting conditions.

For more expert insights, check out some of our other blogs:

• Street Photography Guide for Beginners
• Best Digital Cameras for Street Photography
• Nikon Z6 + Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S Review For Street Photography
• Cinematic Street Photography with the Hasselblad Xpan II
• Essentials of Lighting

Ready to Transform Your Photography?

Explore our selection of KEH Certified™ camera gear at KEH.com to master both street photography and golden hour photography today! As the #1 camera reseller since 1979, KEH has great gear you can trust.