Photoshop Magazine

KIRK NELSON PHOTOSHOP DOWN & DIRTY TRICKS TURNING MID-AFTERNOON INTO MAGICAL GOLDEN-HOUR LIGHTING 

Kirk Nelson's Photoshop Down & Dirty Tricks for turning mid-afternoon into magical golden-hour lighting is a tutorial or set of techniques aimed at photographers and digital artists who want to recreate the warm, soft, and diffused light characteristic of the "Golden Hour" in their images using Adobe Photoshop.

The Golden Hour, also known as the magic hour, typically occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky, producing a warm, golden tone that is highly sought after for its flattering qualities and dramatic effect.

In his instructional content, Nelson shares step-by-step Photoshop methods to mimic this golden-hour effect. These techniques involve manipulating the image's color balance, adding gradients or overlay layers to simulate the sun's glow, and adjusting the shadows and highlights to replicate the long, soft shadows that occur during the actual golden hour. The process also involves enhancing the existing light to give it that golden hue and adjusting the saturation and contrast to bring out the warmth typical of that time of day.

By following Nelson's tips and tricks, you can transform a photo taken during the less visually appealing midday light, which is often harsh and direct, into one that appears as though it was taken during the most photogenic time of day. This can be particularly useful for photographers looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their photos in post-production, especially when they can't shoot during the actual golden hour due to timing or weather conditions.