Night photography tip: choose the blue hour

Wednesday 23 February 2022, 22:11 by Nando Harmsen | 3,876 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

If you photograph something at night, you will be dependent on the available artificial light. This can look beautiful, but sometimes a little natural light makes a lovely addition. Combine the artificial light with the last light of the day, the blue hour.

The blue hour is the moment after sunset, just before night really falls. This blue hour comes after the golden hour, and despite its popular name, it officially lasts only about fifteen minutes. The name is correct, though, as the light is beautifully blue.

The Maasvlakte at night. All the daylight has disappeared, leaving only the artificial light.
Although night photography is great fun, the area outside the reach of your light source can quickly become very dark, or even black. This is not a problem if your subject fills more than three quarters of the frame, but if it fills less, the amount of 'black' can make the photo rather... well, dark.

The town of Ramberg in Lofoten in the dark, with the daylight gone.
The amount of darkness does not of course have to be a problem. It may even be your aim. But also try taking a night photo during the blue hour. The combination of the blue daylight and the warm tones of the artificial light creates a beautiful contrast.

The town of Ramberg in Lofoten during the blue hour. This creates a very different effect from a photo taken in the dark.
If you want to photograph a subject during the blue hour, make sure you arrive at your destination well in advance. Before you know it, the blue light will have disappeared.

The town of Reine in Lofoten during the blue hour. Thanks to the last blue light of the day, the mountains are still clearly visible. Wait a little longer and darkness will fall. That can of course look beautiful too.
So remember, the blue hour lasts only about fifteen minutes. Capture this light in your night photo and it can create a particularly beautiful effect. Just give it a try.

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