Golden Hour Photography and Wildlife Silhouettes
The magic happens when the sun dips low. These are my favourite moments from the golden hour, where light, shadow, and nature align at the creek.
A different kind of Mumbai sunset. I love finding these unique compositions where the setting sun perfectly aligns with the city's architecture, creating a powerful silhouette.
There is nothing quite like an epic sunset over the creek, with a flock of flamingos taking flight. This is the magic of Navi Mumbai that I get to witness and feel privileged to capture.
The golden hour with thousands of flamingos is a surreal experience. The warm light reflects off the water, bathing the entire flock in a magical glow.
An egret flies across a fiery orange sky during sunset, its white wings creating a beautiful contrast.
For sunset lovers. A calming video of the sun setting over the water, capturing the gentle waves and serene atmosphere.
The 'Dubai sunset' of Mumbai. The setting sun creates a dramatic red orb behind the silhouette of the city's tall buildings.
Find me if you can. A langur monkey is perfectly silhouetted against the orange evening sky, hidden within the branches of a tree.
A duplicate of image 41, showing an egret silhouetted against the vibrant orange sunset.
A bird of prey perched on a post, silhouetted against the setting sun. A classic and powerful wildlife image.
A throwback to 2017, capturing a massive murmuration of flamingos against the setting sun.
About Golden Hour & Silhouettes
Capturing a silhouette is not just about timing the sunset. It is about anticipating the bird's flight path against the light. I use my Nikon Z9 or D7500 with a telephoto lens to lock onto the movement, often waiting hours for that perfect five-second window when the subject crosses the sun's disc.
The golden hour in Navi Mumbai is different. The light reflecting off the Thane Creek turns the water into liquid gold, providing the perfect backdrop for sharp, dramatic shapes. Whether it is a flock of flamingos in transit or a solitary egret, the high contrast is what makes the image pop.
To get these shots, I prioritize a fast shutter speed and underexposure. The subject becomes a dark, defined shape, and the background glows. I use a long lens to compress the scene, making the sun look massive behind the subject. It is a game of patience—I often set up in the same spot at the creek for weeks to understand exactly where the sun aligns.
If you want to learn how to shoot these, meet me at the creek. I can help with gear settings—lens focal length, ISO, and metering—so you do not miss the shot when the light changes. We will cover how to keep your horizons straight, how to handle backlighting so your sensor doesn't struggle, and how to spot the best silhouettes before they happen.
Aashish Patil
I am Aashish, a birder based in Navi Mumbai. My camera is my therapy, and I spend most of my mornings and evenings waiting at the creek for that perfect moment when the light hits just right.
Looking for a different style?
Explore other wildlife and nature photography services I offer.
More from Wildlife & Nature Photography by Aashish Patil
More services by Aashish Patil