Golden hour—the soft, directional light just after sunrise or before sunset—adds depth, warmth, and atmosphere to your photos. But editing golden hour images can be tricky. Without the right approach, tones can shift too warm, shadows can lose detail, and skin tones may look unnatural.
This guide covers how to edit golden hour photos in Lightroom using presets designed to enhance the natural glow while keeping your edits clean and consistent.
Why Golden Hour Editing Needs a Different Approach
Golden hour lighting changes quickly. One minute, your subject is bathed in golden light; the next, the light cools or deepens. Photos often have high contrast between highlights and shadows, and color casts can vary across the scene.
The key to editing golden hour photos well is balance—preserving the light’s softness, protecting skin tones, and gently elevating color and contrast without overpowering the natural beauty of the moment.
Presets That Work Well for Golden Hour
These Lou & Marks presets were created to handle the subtle shifts of golden hour light while keeping your images warm, polished, and true to life.
1. Golden Hour
A preset made specifically for this time of day. It enhances golden tones, adds soft contrast, and keeps skin looking natural, even in strong light.
2. Golden Boho
Ideal for outdoor sessions. This preset adds a warm finish with soft browns and creamy highlights. Works well on portraits and lifestyle photos.3. Natural Light
A clean, neutral-toned preset that helps correct overly warm images while keeping light soft and flattering.4. Creamy Moody
Adds depth and subtle contrast without losing warmth. Great for evening light when you want a rich, moody feel.5. Vintage Mood
A soft, film-inspired preset that tones down highlights and adds a timeless, cinematic atmosphere.How to Refine Golden Hour Photos in Lightroom
Even with a great preset, small adjustments make all the difference. Here are a few ways to fine-tune your edits:
White Balance — If your photo looks too orange or pink, adjust the temperature and tint slightly. Cooler tones can help restore balance without losing warmth.
HSL Panel — Lower the orange saturation if skin looks too intense. Boost luminance to gently brighten skin tones.
Highlights and Shadows — Reduce highlights to bring back detail in bright areas. Lift shadows to soften contrast and bring out texture.
Tone Curve — Use the tone curve to lift midtones and slightly soften contrast, preserving the glow without losing definition.
Clarity and Texture — For portraits, try reducing clarity slightly to soften skin and keep the focus on the light.
Great Uses for Golden Hour Presets
These presets are especially effective for:
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Portraits, couples, and family sessions
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Travel, outdoor lifestyle, or vacation photos
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Content shoots where warm light and mood are important
Whether you’re using a DSLR or your phone, these presets help you create consistent edits while letting the natural light lead.
Final Thoughts
Golden hour light is beautiful because it’s fleeting and imperfect. Editing is about enhancing what’s already there—not masking it. The right preset gives you a starting point that brings out the warmth, softness, and atmosphere of golden hour, while keeping your editing process efficient and enjoyable.
