Blue Hour Calculator

Discover the magical blue hour moments at your location for perfect photography lighting

Introduction

The Blue Hour Calculator helps photographers find the optimal time for capturing stunning landscapes and cityscapes during the blue hour - that magical time before sunrise and after sunset when the sky takes on a deep blue hue perfect for photography.

Select Date

Location Information

Getting location information...

What is Blue Hour?

Blue hour refers to the period before sunrise or after sunset when the sun is between 4 and 8 degrees below the horizon. During this time, the sky takes on a deep blue hue, and this special natural light is called"magical light" by photographers.

The characteristics of blue hour are soft, even lighting and a deep blue sky. These lighting conditions are perfect for landscape and urban photography, especially when artificial light sources are present, creating a fascinating contrast effect.

Blue hour typically occurs 20-30 minutes before sunrise and 20-30 minutes after sunset, but the exact duration varies by location and season. Use this calculator to find the precise timing for your specific location.

Blue Hour Photography Tips

  • Use a tripod for long exposures during the blue hour
  • Set your white balance to "daylight" to preserve the blue tones
  • Include artificial lights in your composition for contrast
  • Try shooting cityscapes when artificial lights are just turning on
  • Arrive at your location at least 15 minutes before blue hour begins

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between blue hour and golden hour?

While blue hour occurs when the sun is below the horizon (4-8 degrees) creating a blue hue, golden hour happens when the sun is low but still above the horizon, creating a warm golden light. Golden hour typically occurs just after sunrise and before sunset.

How long does blue hour last?

Blue hour typically lasts 20-40 minutes, but its duration varies by location, season, and weather conditions. The duration is shorter near the equator and longer at higher latitudes, especially during winter months.

What camera settings should I use during blue hour?

For blue hour photography, start with these settings: use a tripod, set ISO to 100-400, aperture to f/8-f/11, and shutter speed between 1-30 seconds depending on light levels. Use manual focus and a remote shutter release to prevent camera shake.

Is blue hour the same everywhere in the world?

No, blue hour timing and duration vary based on latitude, time of year, and weather conditions. Near the equator, blue hour is shorter and more consistent year-round. At higher latitudes, it can be much longer during winter and shorter in summer.