Blue Hour Photography: What Is It and How to Take Advantage of It!

By Andy Hornby

The Scoop London during blue hour — The Scoop London

The sun has dipped below the horizon and the orange glow begins to fade. A few minutes later the city lights flicker on and transform the scene into something magical. That’s when you’re in the blue hour.

When Is Blue Hour?

The blue hour occurs before sunrise and after sunset, when the sun dips a set distance below the horizon. The sky glows with a cool, deep blue and sometimes picks up pink or red tones near the horizon. Despite the name, it usually only lasts 20–40 minutes.

The exact length depends on the season and your location. Apps such as The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE) can tell you precisely when blue hour happens where you are.

Spinnaker Tower Blue Hour — Spinnaker Tower at Blue Hour

Plan Your Blue Hour Photography Shoot

Preparation is everything. Decide what you’re photographing — a cityscape, skyline, or landmark — and plot locations in advance. Use Google Maps and Street View to check for obstructions and accessibility. Stick to a small area, since you won’t have time to travel far once the light changes.

Don’t forget to note down the exact time of blue hour for your chosen day.

Tower Bridge opening at Blue Hour — Tower Bridge at Blue Hour

Pack for Blue Hour Photography

The most important piece of kit is a tripod. Slow shutter speeds are common during blue hour, and handholding risks camera shake and blur. A remote shutter release is also useful, though a self-timer can work if you don’t have one. Always bring spare batteries as long exposures drain power faster.

London Helipad at Blue Hour — London Helipad

Arrive Early But Be Patient

Arrive well before blue hour begins. Check for changes since you planned (such as construction work) and test compositions. The blue hour doesn’t start straight after sunset — it often begins 30–45 minutes later — so be ready to wait.

Camera screen during blue hour — Checking exposure on camera screen

Choose Your Settings

Settings depend on your subject and creative vision:

For cityscapes, use f/8–f/11 to keep everything sharp. Slower shutter speeds may introduce light trails from cars.
If you want to freeze movement, use faster shutter speeds (1/200s or faster) with a lower aperture (e.g. f/4) and higher ISO.

Lock Up the Mirror

In DSLRs, the mirror flipping can cause vibration and blur during long exposures. Use mirror lock-up or live view mode to eliminate this movement and achieve sharper images.

Blue Hour self portrait at Southsea — Blue Hour at Southsea

Experiment

Blue hour is short, but don’t forget to try creative techniques. Experiment with low angles, long exposures for light trails, or even zooming during an exposure for surreal effects.

Guildhall Square Ice Rink at Blue Hour — Guildhall Square Ice Rink

Don’t Forget Post-Production

Every photo benefits from some editing. Adjust white balance, straighten horizons, crop, or boost contrast and vibrancy. Keep edits subtle to enhance the mood without making the photo look artificial.

Conclusion

Blue hour is a magical window that too many photographers miss by packing up after sunset. Plan ahead, arrive early, and work efficiently to make the most of it. With the right approach, your blue hour photos will have a unique, atmospheric quality.

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