Blue Hour
Beginner Lighting Principle
Blue hour is the period just before sunrise and after sunset when the sky takes on deep blue tones. The sun is below the horizon, creating soft, diffused lighting with a cool, moody atmosphere. This lighting is perfect for capturing cityscapes, landscapes, and nighttime photography, as it enhances artificial lights and reflections while maintaining a natural glow.
Unlike the warm tones of golden hour, blue hour creates a more dramatic and serene effect. Your mobile phone will likely capture the colors well. For advanced learners, make the most of it, use a tripod for stability in low light, adjust your white balance to maintain natural colors, and experiment with long exposures for stunning results.
Congratulations!
You have mastered all four beginner concepts!
You can now move on to the Intermediate Lighting Principles.
You can also return to Lighting Overview.
“Photography is a language more universal than words.”