Lehtisaari – More “Golden Hour” Images

March 4, 2008 | Filed Under Personal | Leave a Comment 

Lehtisaari is a little island sitting nicely protected in the large bay that separates Helsinki from Espoo.  It’s where quite a few ambassadorial residences are – most of these images were shot just up from the Japanese Embassy, in fact.

Why Photographers Call Sunset “The Golden Hour”

March 4, 2008 | Filed Under Personal | Leave a Comment 

I have to admit, sunset shoots tend to feel very cliched to me. It comes from seeing a lot of wedding photography – I think there is some kind of law that there must be at least one formal bridal on a beach at sunset. And yet…. how can I resist playing and exploring with my own photography and learning to love “The Golden Hour.”

These were shot on Lauttasaari – an island with the distinct advantage of being the last bit of land before the cruise ships dock at the port of Helsinki. They tend to arrive at sunset this time of the year (in another few months, the sun will stop setting at all and no more sunsets until late Autumn) and so just perfect for photography. Thankfully, it’s been a warm Winter so these location shoots are possible.

Typically, I’ll have squirrels and ducks stalking me when at this island. This time, it was a swan with a truly terrifying hiss. You can bet this four year old was up and running the minute she realized the swan had found her again after we had outrun it on the other side of the island!

She loves photography!