The blue hour refers to the time of day around sunrise and sunset when the sun sits below the horizon and the sky takes on a blue hue. Photographers cherish this time to take photos because of the quality of light that creates a peaceful, magical atmosphere. In this article, we’ll explore what blue hour photography is, when the blue hour occurs, how to plan for it, tips for taking great blue hour photos, and examples of stunning blue hour images.
What Time is Considered the Blue Hour?
The blue hour does not refer to a specific, fixed time. It depends on several factors:
- Your location – The time of sunrise and sunset shifts depending on latitude and longitude.
- Season – Days are longer in summer and shorter in winter, so sunrise/sunset times vary.
- Weather – Clouds and atmospheric conditions can influence the intensity and duration of the blue light.
- Obstructions – Mountains, buildings, trees can block direct sunlight and affect how long the blue hour lasts.
However, as a general guideline, the blue hour occurs in the 30-60 minutes after sunrise and before sunset. This is when the sun is below the horizon, but residual blue light still lingers in the sky.
What Causes the Blue Color During Blue Hour?
The blue hue in the sky during this time is caused by the way sunlight interacts with the atmosphere. Here are the key scientific principles behind it:
- During the day, sunlight reaches us relatively unimpeded through the atmosphere. The different wavelengths of visible light – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet – reach our eyes together, making the sky look blue.
- At sunset, the sun’s light has to pass through more atmosphere since it travels to us at an angle. More blue light gets scattered away compared to longer wavelengths.
- The leftover light we see is therefore deficient in blue, leaving the sky awash in red, orange and yellow hues – creating the dramatic sunsets.
- Once the sun dips below the horizon, only the longest wavelengths remain visible briefly, creating the afterglow.
- As this light fades, the natural blue of the sky’s shorter wavelengths emerge, creating the blue hour.
So in essence, the blue hour occurs when the reds and oranges disappear from view but some residual sunlight still illuminates the sky blue.
Where is the Blue Hour Visible?
The blue hour is visible wherever the rising or setting sun illuminates the sky. However, it is most dramatic in locations that have an unobstructed view of the horizon. Some great places to witness and photograph the blue hour include:
- Oceans – The water reflects blue hues while the sky remains illuminated.
- Open fields – With no interfering artificial light, the blue effect is vibrant.
- Deserts – Clear, dry conditions accentuate blue colors on the sparse landscape.
- Mountains – Unblocked views and high altitude let blue light scatter.
- Open highways/train tracks – These create leading lines for composition.
- City skylines – Blue hour accentuates artificial lighting on buildings.
The key is having an unhindered view low on the horizon to be able to capture the full splendor of the blue hour.
When Does the Blue Hour Occur?
Since the blue hour depends on sunrise and sunset times that vary, the exact window differs across seasons and locations. Here are some guidelines on when the blue hour generally happens:
- Summer:
- Sunrise: 30-60 minutes before
- Sunset: 30-60 minutes after
- Winter:
- Sunrise: 60-90 minutes before
- Sunset: 60-90 minutes after
- At higher latitudes in summer, the blue hour may not occur since the sun travels tangentially to the horizon.
- At higher latitudes in winter, the blue hour can last several hours due to the sun staying low throughout the day.
- The blue hour lasts longer after sunset than before sunrise.
Online resources like PhotoPills and The Photographer’s Ephemeris can help you calculate exact sunrise, sunset and subsequent blue hour times for your location.
How is Blue Hour Photography Different than Golden Hour?
The blue hour produces very different lighting conditions and photo opportunities compared to the golden hour, which occurs around sunrise and sunset.
Here are some key differences:
| Blue Hour | Golden Hour |
|---|---|
| Cool, blue lighting | Warm, golden lighting |
| Lower contrast | Higher contrast |
| Subtle mood | Dramatic mood |
| Longer shadows | Shorter shadows |
| Artificial lights visible | Artificial lights overpowered |
| Calm, still conditions | Busy activity like commutes |
In essence, the blue hour has a moody, magical quality while the golden hour is warmer, livelier and higher contrast. Photographers can choose to shoot one or both depending on the scene and desired creative effect.
How to Plan for Shooting in the Blue Hour
Since the blue hour window is quite brief, planning is key to making the most of it:
- Check sunrise/sunset times: Use a sun calculator app or weather website to determine exact times.
- Note duration: Factor in season and location to estimate how long the blue hour will last.
- Arrive early: Get to your location at least 15-30 minutes beforehand to set up.
- Monitor conditions: Watch the changing sky and be ready to start shooting as the blue hue emerges.
- Have a backup plan: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, have an alternate indoor/urban location.
- Check moon phase: A full moon can overpower the blue twilight, so schedule shoots around the new moon.
- Be prepared to wait: Sometimes the best blue light doesn’t materialize instantly at sunrise/sunset.
With some prep work, you can time your blue hour shoot perfectly for stunning, ethereal photos.
Camera Settings for Blue Hour Photography
The low light conditions of the blue hour require adjusting your camera settings for best results:
- Use a tripod – This allows you to use slower shutter speeds without blur from camera shake.
- Shoot in manual mode – You need full control to dial in the right settings.
- Use a low ISO – Try ISO 100-400 to minimize noise.
- Open the aperture – Use the widest f-stop your lens allows, like f/2.8 or f/4.
- Use longer shutter speeds – Start with 5-30 seconds to gather enough light.
- Enable mirror lock-up – This reduces shake caused by the mirror slap on DSLRs.
- Use a remote trigger or timer – Minimizes camera motion from pressing the shutter.
- Shoot in RAW – Gives more flexibility adjusting white balance in post.
You may need to experiment with settings depending on how dark it gets. The aim is balancing enough exposure while keeping ISO low and aperture wide for high quality results.
Tips for Excellent Blue Hour Photos
Beyond camera settings, applying these photography tips will help you capture breathtaking blue hour images:
- Include foreground interest: Place a striking subject, texture or shape in the foreground to accentuate the blue hues.
- Use long exposures to smooth water: Long shutter speeds of 10-30 seconds blur the motion of waves and water for a misty effect.
- Shoot cityscapes: The blue twilight elegantly complements artificial lighting on buildings.
- Try light painting: Use a flashlight or light strips during the exposure to creatively illuminate your scene.
- Incorporate the moon: When visible, the moon can add interest to your blue hour photos.
- Maximize reflections: Compose to capture mirror-like reflections on water for doubling effects.
- Add motion: Try panning during exposures to creatively blur moving elements like cars or stars.
- Include people: Use longer exposures to creatively blur the motion of human subjects.
With creative approaches and unusual perspectives, you can produce blue hour images that are mystical, alluring and captivating.
Examples of Breathtaking Blue Hour Photography
Here are some outstanding examples of blue hour photography and how utilizing this magical lighting can create unforgettable images:
Credit: James Wheeler. The blue hues enhance the mood of this misty seascape.
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli. City lights glitter while blue light illuminates the clouds.
Credit: Greg Rakozy. Light trails creatively blur during a long exposure.
Credit: Caleb George. The blue hour’s low contrast creates a serene mood.
Credit: Alexandre Godreau. Cool tones complement the warm artificial lighting.
How to Process Blue Hour Photos
Post-processing plays an important role in bringing out the magical quality in blue hour shots. Try these editing tips:
- Adjust white balance: Counteract orange artificial lighting with increased blue/aqua tint.
- Enhance blue hues: Make blue tones more vivid in the HSL panel.
- Deepen blacks: Use an S-curve to darken shadows for added contrast and depth.
- Brighten exposures: If needed, selectively brighten dark areas to balance shadows and highlights.
- Reduce noise: Apply luminance noise reduction to minimize graininess in shadows.
- Enhance details: Carefully sharpen key elements to accentuate crisp details.
- Boost vibrance: A touch more vibrance can intensify cool blue tones without oversaturating.
Use adjustments subtly to maintain the natural, understated quality of blue hour light. Avoid going overboard with contrast, clarity and saturation.
Conclusion
The blue hour remains an invaluable time for photographers who can skillfully utilize its soft, cool lighting. Paying attention to the nuances of blue hour light and creatively incorporating long exposures, cityscapes, landscapes, and more can lead to breathtaking images. With preparation and practice, you can master the art of blue hour photography.