Spring Has Sprung

Spring Light: Chasing Golden Hour in April

As winter loosens its grip, spring quietly arrives—not with fanfare, but with light. And for photographers, especially those of us obsessed with golden hour, April feels like a subtle promise kept.

There’s a softness in the light now, a delicate warmth that kisses the landscape just before dusk. The shadows grow longer but not yet harsh, and the greens begin to wake up. Every evening becomes an invitation to step outside with a camera in hand.

I’ve noticed in April, golden hour doesn’t just bathe the landscape—it lingers. There’s a bit more patience in the way the light unfolds, and it gives you time to compose, to adjust, to breathe. You can chase it, yes—but you can also sit still and let it come to you.

What I love most are the contrasts. Bare branches against blooming fields. The cold soil still holding onto winter as the sky turns fire-orange. The kind of moments that make you realize the photo is secondary to the experience—but you still take the shot.

Here are a few tips I keep in mind this time of year:

• Scout early, shoot late. April’s golden hour changes quickly. Knowing where the sun’s going to fall saves time.

• Use foregrounds. With early spring’s sparse foliage, foregrounds add depth and tell more of the seasonal story.

• Don’t pack up too soon. The afterglow can be just as magical as the sun itself.

If you’re feeling rusty after the winter lull, April is your warm-up. No pressure. Just light, color, and a whole lot of quiet magic.

• Lake Dunmore at Golden Hour: A serene lake scene with warm sunset hues.

• Spring Walk at Golden Hour: Sunlight filtering through budding trees on a forest path. 

• Spring Twilight in Waitsfield: A tranquil field with a vibrant sunset sky.

Happy shooting, be safe!

If you’re feeling rusty after the winter lull, April is your warm-up. No pressure. Just light, color, and a whole lot of quiet magic.

For visuals, here are some royalty-free images that capture Vermont’s golden hour in spring:

• Lake Dunmore at Golden Hour: A serene lake scene with warm sunset hues.
• Spring Walk at Golden Hour: Sunlight filtering through budding trees on a forest path. 
• Spring Twilight in Waitsfield: A tranquil field with a vibrant sunset sky.