Blue Hour Guide: What It Is and How to Photograph It

Is photography your passion? Then you’ve probably already heard of the blue hour: that brief moment between sunset and complete darkness when the sky turns into a canvas painted in deep blue tones.

Sometimes, in front of so much beauty, the only thing to do is stand back and admire it in awe. Other times — and this is your case — all you want is to capture that poetry with your smartphone and take home an extraordinary memory. Then you’re in the right place! Here you’re about to discover how to capture the unique atmosphere of this natural phenomenon with our passionate tips.

What is the Blue Hour?

Let’s start with a short dictionary-style definition. The blue hour is the magical period between day and night, marked by cool tones and soft, diffused light that creates delicate contrasts.

Why is it so loved by photographers, almost as much as the golden hour? Simple: because of its evocative atmosphere and the unique opportunities it offers for capturing landscapes and city skylines.

When and Where to Shoot During the Blue Hour

In this case too, the answer is simple: all you need is the right timing and a bit of planning ahead. To get the best results, you should be ready to shoot just after sunset or shortly before sunrise.

And if you were expecting an exact time, sorry to disappoint you: the blue hour changes throughout the year! Instead, we recommend using apps that show sunrise and sunset times, and choosing illuminated cities or waterside landscapes as your location. Seeing is believing!

Small tips for stunning results

Even if you’re shooting with your smartphone, play around with the camera’s advanced settings to get the best possible result.

• Set your camera to a long exposure
• use a low ISO
• and a wide aperture to capture sharp details!

Still, the best advice is to use a tripod to give your shots more stability, and make the most of artificial lights to enrich your image with interesting colour effects. Finally, adjust the white balance to enhance the cool tones of the blue hour.

Small creative ideas for unique shots

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that being ordinary is not really our thing, and we always encourage you to play with unusual perspectives.

A few ideas to try during the blue hour? Of course! Experiment with photos of urban landscapes reflected in water, silhouettes against the deep blue sky, and minimalist shots that isolate the subject. Only then will you be able to create unique images that capture the poetic essence of the blue hour.

And once you have dozens of beautiful photos to admire in your camera roll, here’s an original idea for preserving your photographic adventures. Turn your photos into personalized stickers with our themed albums and have fun sticking your memories in place!