Senior session information
Golden Hour in Des Moines: What It Is and When to Schedule Your Senior Photos
If you’re planning your senior photos in Des Moines, you may have heard photographers mention golden hour—but what does it mean?
Golden hour refers to the period just after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, creating soft, warm lighting. This time is popular for senior portraits because the light is more diffused, reducing harsh shadows and creating a natural glow.
Typically people think of this as photos taken at dusk in a field or nature, but golden hour light looks amazing regardless of where we are.
In Des Moines, golden hour transforms locations like Water Works Park, the World Food Prize, Court Avenue, and the East Village into breathtaking backdrops. Whether you’re looking for a natural, airy vibe or an urban, modern feel, this time of day ensures your photos are both timeless and vibrant.
When to schedule
When possible, I schedule sessions to end with the golden hour. If golden hour is important to you, let me know. (See information on weather, below).
Evening Golden Hour – about 60-90 minutes before sunset. The most popular choice, offering warm hues, long shadows, and that perfect glow for a cinematic feel.
Although less common, Morning Golden Hour is also possible – about 30-60 minutes after sunrise. This time is best for a fresh, dewy look with soft pastels and cooler tones. It’s ideal for early risers!
Factors That Affect Golden Hour
While golden hour is popular for senior portraits, it’s important to know that several factors can influence how it appears.
1. Weather plays a major role. Clear skies create the classic warm, glowing light, while cloudy or overcast days can soften or even eliminate the golden effect. Rain and storms can completely obscure the sun, making golden hour less noticeable. Even on hazy days, golden hour might appear more muted than expected.
I check the weather frequently as your session gets closer so we know what to expect. If weather conditions mean that the golden hour light is not perfect, we will still complete the majority of your session on your scheduled date. However, we may need to add a second session time if this is a “must have” for your senior pictures.
2. Location and surroundings also impact golden hour lighting. Open fields and hilltops allow for unobstructed golden light, while urban areas or dense tree cover may block or filter the sun, softening the effect. Lakes and rivers can enhance golden hour by reflecting its warm tones, creating an even more glowing effect.
3. The time of year affects both the timing and duration of golden hour. In summer, it happens later in the evening and lasts longer due to extended daylight. In winter, golden hour is much shorter and occurs earlier in the afternoon. Spring and fall provide a middle ground, but shifting sunrise and sunset times mean session timing must be adjusted throughout the season.
While actual times change daily throughhout the season, this list can give you a general idea of when the golden hour happens.
Golden Hour Times in Des Moines:
Spring (March – May)
- Sunrise: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset: Around 8:00 PM
Summer (June – August)
- Sunrise: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset: Around 8:45 PM
Fall (September – November)
- Sunrise: Around 7:00 AM
- Sunset: Around 6:30 PM
Winter (December – February)
- Sunrise: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset: Around 8:45 PM
Want to see when the golden hour is on your session date? Check out this chart of exact times for sunrise and sunset in Des Moines.