Photographers rely heavily on natural light — especially during golden hour, when the sun’s angle creates soft, flattering tones. But predicting exactly where and when the sun will be at a specific location isn’t easy. Many photographers waste time visiting spots at the wrong hour or guessing the sun’s direction. Google Maps helps with location scouting, but it doesn’t show real-time or future sun angles. This makes planning outdoor shoots, especially destination or travel photography, frustrating and inconsistent.
Build a simple yet powerful web app where users enter a location (via map search or GPS) and instantly see the sun’s angle, direction, and golden hour times for any day of the year. The app could display a visual overlay directly on the map—showing shadows and light direction at chosen times.
Subscription or one time payment.
Start by building a simple prototype using open APIs for sun position and maps. Launch a landing page targeting photography communities (Reddit, Facebook groups, and forums) and gather feedback. Validate with a free beta to collect early testimonials and data. Once validated, add subscription billing and integrations. Partnering with photography YouTubers or bloggers can quickly bring the first wave of users.
Source/inspiration: Podcast Episode (The Side Hustle Show)