City photography in the blue hour
For a short while the sky is deep blue and the buildings are lit. Shoot then and both show up. Earlier the lights are weak. Later the sky is black.
When, where you are
Best for this: blue hour
Allow about 15 minutes before it starts. Adjust for your own walk.
Reminders are set on the home page: pick a lead time, then switch on notifications or subscribe in your calendar.
Bring, and watch for
- Arrive at sunset and shoot until the sky stops glowing.
- Use a tripod or lean on a wall. Exposures get long.
- Look for wet streets, glass and signs that reflect.
Two questions
When exactly is the blue hour?
It starts at sunset. The bar uses the definition you chose, and the home page lets you switch between three.
Why do my city photos look dim?
You are probably too early or too late. Try the first half of the blue hour.
Golden hour, blue hour and magic hour: the definitions · Golden hour calculator for any place and date