Cheat sheet · People

Camera settings for golden hour portraits

Backlight with the low sun for glowing hair light, then fill the face with a reflector.

ModeManual
Aperturef/2–f/2.8
Shutter1/320–1/1000 s
ISO100–400
Exposure+0.3 to +1 EV on face
White balance5500–6500 K
Quick start: Backlight with the low sun for glowing hair light, then fill the face with a reflector.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 11. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/1000 s1/4000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/5.61/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 s
f/81/30 s1/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s
f/111/15 s1/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s

Step by step#

  1. Check your local golden-hour window.
  2. Put the sun behind the subject.
  3. Expose for the face and let the sky glow.

Gear checklist#

  • Reflector
  • Lens hood
  • Fast prime

Pro tips#

  • Shoot into the sun partially blocked by the subject for flare.

Common mistakes#

  • Underexposed faces against a bright sky.
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Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for golden hour portraits?

Aperture: f/2–f/2.8 · Shutter: 1/320–1/1000 s · ISO: 100–400. Backlight with the low sun for glowing hair light, then fill the face with a reflector.

What gear do I need for golden hour portraits?

Reflector, Lens hood, Fast prime.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources