Golden Hour look

Surfer through the palms

Photo by Marcus Dall Col on Unsplash · shot on Canon EOS REBEL T4i

Golden HourTelephotoperson-in-scene

Original Gear

CameraCanon EOS REBEL T4i

LensNot recorded

SourceMarcus Dall Col on Unsplash

Camera Settings

Original

Aperture

f/7.1

Shutter

1/2000

ISO

—

Focal length

—mm

Edit Recipe

Original

Lifted shadows and a gentle contrast curve
Colour and warmth balanced to the light
Grain and vignette to taste

Full editing recipe and shooting steps included

Adapted

This look has been adapted 1 time

Notes

Golden-hour backlight blazes directly into the lens from a low sun sitting just above the horizon, casting the entire scene in deep amber and bronze. The subject is rendered as a near-silhouette against the glittering ocean surface. Contrast is extreme, with crushed shadows in the foreground sand and blown highlights on the water. A palm trunk and fronds frame the shot, adding layered depth and a sense of place. Mood is cinematic, solitary and warmly nostalgic.

Look character

Strong backlit silhouette against a sun-drenched ocean surfaceWarm monochromatic amber-gold palette with almost no cool tonesPalm framing in foreground creates natural vignette and depthLens flare and sun glitter add organic glow across the frame

Difficulty

Needs a short window of light.

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