Blue Hour Calculator
Calculate optimal blue hour and twilight times for stunning photography at any location
Photography Guide & Tips
What is Blue Hour?
The blue hour occurs twice daily during civil and nautical twilight when the sun is between 4-8 degrees below the horizon. The sky takes on a rich, deep blue color that provides perfect ambient lighting for photography.
Best Blue Hour Shots:
- Cityscapes with illuminated buildings
- Landscapes with dramatic sky
- Architecture with artificial lighting
- Portraits with soft, even lighting
- Long exposure water and clouds
Camera Settings
Recommended Settings:
- • ISO: 100-800 (keep as low as possible)
- • Aperture: f/8-f/11 for landscapes
- • Shutter: Use tripod for stability
- • Focus: Manual focus or single-point AF
- • White Balance: Daylight or custom
Pro Tips:
- • Arrive 30 minutes before blue hour
- • Use graduated ND filters for balance
- • Bracket exposures for HDR
- • Check weather for clear skies
Twilight Phases Explained:
Civil Twilight: Sun 0-6° below horizon. Bright blue sky, artificial lights start appearing.
Nautical Twilight: Sun 6-12° below horizon. Deep blue sky, optimal blue hour photography.
Astronomical Twilight: Sun 12-18° below horizon. Dark sky begins, stars become visible.