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Magic Hour Times Today

The soft, warm light filmmakers chase — exact morning and evening times.

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Magic hour

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All sun times for this day

What is magic hour?

“Magic hour” is the film-industry name for the golden hour: the short time after sunrise and before sunset when the Sun is low (here, below 6° altitude) and light is warm, soft and flattering. Cinematographers like it because faces glow without harsh shadows. Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven (1978) was famously shot largely at magic hour. Some crews also count the blue hour after sunset as part of it.

Planning a magic hour shoot

  • Block and rehearse beforehand — you may get only one or two takes in the best light.
  • The light changes minute by minute; keep white balance fixed so shots match in the edit.
  • Use the countdown to start rolling as the window opens, and the direction of sunset on the sunset page to plan backlight.

Frequently asked questions

Is magic hour really an hour?

Rarely. It can be about 20 minutes near the equator and well over an hour in high-latitude summers. The tool shows the actual length for your location.

What's the difference between magic hour and golden hour?

Nothing physical — they describe the same low-Sun period. “Magic hour” is the filmmakers' term; photographers usually say golden hour.

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