As photographers, we're always on the hunt for that magical lighting that can transform our shots into pure works of art. Capturing the perfect shot often requires an understanding of various lighting conditions too and one of the most enchanting lighting scenarios is the "blue hour."
What exactly is the Blue Hour?
The blue hour refers to a period of time during twilight when the sun is significantly below the horizon, and the sky takes on a mesmerizing blue hue. It occurs roughly between sunset and complete darkness in the evening, as well as between darkness and sunrise in the morning. This is a result of the scattering of sunlight in the Earth's atmosphere, which creates a soft, diffused light that bathes the surroundings in an ethereal blue tint.
PHOTO TIP: When taking portraits in the Blue Hour, have your subject(s) face towards the light source and you'll find such beautiful and flattering light fall on their face. Be sure to expose for the skin in your manual settings and you'll still be able to capture the stunning skies as well.
6 Tips for Shooting in the Blue Hour:
- Plan Ahead: To make the most of the blue hour, plan out your shoot in advance. You can determine the time of sunrise or sunset in your location using reliable tools or smartphone apps.
- Time is Everything: Arrive early to scout potential shooting locations so you can compose your photos accordingly. Being prepared will ensure you don't miss this magical window of opportunity.
- A Tripod: As the blue hour occurs during low-light conditions, stability is key to capturing sharp and well-exposed images. To minimize camera shake and achieve crisp results, using a tripod is definitely recommended. It will allow you to use longer shutter speeds without introducing unwanted blur.
- Composition: During the blue hour, the unique lighting conditions can dramatically enhance the atmosphere and mood of your photographs. Incorporate elements such as cityscapes, landscapes, architecture, or bodies of water to add depth and interest to your images.
- Manual Mode: To maintain complete control over your exposure settings, switch your camera to manual mode. Adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that longer exposures might be necessary due to reduced light levels. Test different settings to find the right balance between capturing detail and avoiding overexposure.
- Embrace the Blue Tones: The blue hour's distinctive characteristic is its enchanting blue color palette. Embrace these tones and use them to your advantage. Look for complementary colors in your scene to create striking contrasts. Incorporating warm artificial lights or the warm glow of city lights can provide a captivating interplay with the cool blue background.
- Experiment with White Balance: Experimenting with white balance settings can significantly influence the mood of your blue hour photographs. While the automatic white balance may work well in some situations, consider manually adjusting it to achieve the desired effect.
