Five Nova Scotia spots that hold golden hour beautifully

Golden hour in Nova Scotia is generous. The light comes in low and long across open ground, and there are a handful of places where it does something particularly lovely. These are the ones I keep returning to.

• Open hay fields inland. Tall grass catches low sun and turns into a haze of gold behind you. Best in late summer once the grass has gone pale.
• The wooden bridges. Old bridges give structure, shade and a natural leading line. They also give you something to lean on, which helps enormously if you are nervous.
• Shoreline at low tide. Wet sand acts like a mirror. Check the tide table before we pick a time, because the difference between high and low here is dramatic.
• Coastal headlands. Wind, big sky and very few people. Bring a layer, because it is always colder out there than you expect.
• Wherever you actually spend time. Your street, your kitchen, the trail you walk the dog on. Familiar places relax people, and relaxed people photograph better than scenic ones.

Timing matters more than location

The right field at noon will disappoint you. An ordinary field forty minutes before sunset will not. When you book, I send the exact light times for your date so we can start at the right moment rather than guessing.