Magic Hour

Those of you who know me know that I shoot up at the Griffith Park Trails A LOT. In fact, I’d say a good half of my photos lately have been shot up there simply because I live so close to it and… well, it looks amazing. There are a ton of different looking locations within the area, so it’s easy to make it look unique each time. I usually like to shoot here during sunset because I love the golden glow with the wheatfields.

One day, though, my friend Marlena and I were literally fighting time trying to get up here. We were aiming to shoot during sunset as always, but the traffic getting up the trail was unexpectedly horrible! The sun was setting rapidly and I was getting anxious about missing the “good light.” However, I’m really glad we didn’t end up giving up and turning back, because what we ended up getting turned out to be quite magical. Marlena was explaining to me that the lighting after sunset is called “magic hour.” For good reason. These photos speak for themselves! During this time, there’s just a tad of light left behind, but muted at the same time to exude a darker glow. If you’re looking to accentuate your tan in photos, this is the perfect time to shoot! 🙂

I love a good poncho during summer sunsets because it’s light and keeps me warm and cozy. It also adds interesting texture to a simple look. This one features a cool monochromatic pattern, finished with loose tassels for the ultimate bohemian fantasy. Under the poncho, I’m wearing an everyday fitted tank and denim shorts. Since the base of the outfit was so basic, I had to finish the look with a little something extra — my beloved lace-up espadrilles!


Poncho – American Eagle Outfitters (sold out, latest style here, or similar here)
Tank – American Eagle Outfitters
Denim Shorts – American Eagle Outfitters
Lace-Up Espadrilles – Lola Shoetique
Watch – Skagen


Have you shot during magic hour? What are your thoughts on it?

Photos by Marlena Pearl

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92 Responses

  1. Love ur pictures beautiful & outfit.. Thanks for telling about magic hour photos and experience:)

    1. Thanks, Robyn! You’re so right! I like to shoot either in the shades, or during sunrise/sunset usually. But I also learned that “magic hour” is good too 🙂 Hope your week is going well! xo

  2. Loving this outfit of yours babe! I will try to pull off this look next time. 😀 But right now I am really struggling with the weather. I couldn’t go anywhere because it keeps on raining.
    Haha! Have a nice day ahead babe! xoxo

    Elisha | http://loveelisha.net

    1. Thanks Elisha! Is it raining where you are?! It’s so hot here in LA! Luckily it cools down at night though so I can wear this poncho 🙂 hehe stay dry babe! Thanks for stopping by xo

  3. The magic hour is truly magical, and I don’t shoot during that hour often enough, sadly 🙂 I’m almost always at the gym then. You look positively glowing xo

  4. Wow you are so beautiful and I love love love your hair! I just found your blog and I followed you to keep up with your lovely posts! Your style is amazing! x

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

    1. You are the sweetest Candice! I love you so much <3 Would love to take you and Claire up to the Griffith Park Trails for some shoots some time too. It's a gorgeous place! Thank you for reading and supporting me as always xoxo

  5. You definitely achieved some incredible photos during this magic hour. So gorgeous as always, Sharon! And I’m seriously crazy about your poncho. I can imagine wearing that to a late summer bonfire. Perfect to keep you cozy during the summer night chill!

    Stephanie | drunkonvogue.com

    1. YES! That was actually exactly what I thought when I first saw the poncho… a great one to have at a bonfire. But, so far I haven’t gone to any this summer. Hopefully I get the chance to before fall creeps up on us! Thanks for reading and for always being so supportive <3 I really appreciate it! xo

  6. You have amazing style, Sharon! That poncho is so pretty and can be worn into fall. I see it’s sold out now but I’ll try to find a similar one! Loving your shots during magic hour. xx

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