Essence of "magic hour"

Buddy Thomason · #1 01-19-2009, 05:03 PM

I always appreciate comments and observations concerning my images. This one is certainly not an award winner by any stretch but the issue it raises for me is of interest.

Near Frenchtown, MT -- July 4, 2009 -- Canon 1DMKII -- Canon f2.8L 24-70mm wide angle zoom @ 32mm -- aperture 7.1 -- 1/400 sec -- ISO 100

The Magic (aka Golden) hour is my personal 'happy hour.' All creatures venture out to play and simply "be" in the glorious light. It is a peaceful time, a happy time and, of course, a beautiful time. I find that it's easy to portray the magic hour's beauty but relatively more difficult to portray its unique emotional essence. It is a time so special that many people derive from it the will to go forward, to live another day, in spite of life's weighty and persistent challenges.

Noel_Carboni · #2 01-21-2009, 02:07 AM

Your image has a clean, crisp, fresh feel about it. Love the running dog, and your long shadow balances things nicely.

Thank you for sharing your open spaces, from one who lives where it's wayyy too crowded.

-Noel

Buddy Thomason · #3 01-25-2009, 03:47 AM

Thanks, Noel. Regarding the so called magic or golden hour on either end of the daylight hours, it is such a gift to photographers. Its beauty can be unsurpassed but there seems more to it than just that. When you put people/animals into the magic hour image it changes everything.
To me, these images below are filled with beauty but no real emotional Ooomph.

End of the day near Allenspark, CO.

Morning, Rocky Mtn Nat Park.

Final moments of sunset, Denver, CO.

Noel_Carboni · #4 01-25-2009, 11:56 AM

Well, as one who loves a good, unspoiled landscape I'm afraid I can't agree that people/animals are required to make a shot emotionally pleasing. I find your images very soothing indeed.

-Noel

Buddy Thomason · #5 01-27-2009, 12:43 PM

Thanks, Noel. Coming from one as savvy and talented as you are, those comments are much appreciated.

There are so many beautiful, scenic and atmospheric magic hour images out there, but so few with people (with some modeling and fashion exceptions). I'm resolved to look a little harder for those opportunities and see where it leads.