Blue hour: photographing cities and buildings at twilight
The minutes after sunset and before sunrise give deep blue skies that balance with city lights. Learn how to time and expose blue hour.
Blue hour happens just after sunset and just before sunrise, when the sun is below the horizon and the sky turns a deep, even blue. Artificial lights glow warmly against it, creating some of the most beautiful city and architecture photos.
Timing
In Yucatán, the best blue hour light lasts about 15 to 25 minutes, starting roughly 10 minutes after sunset. Arrive during golden hour, set up, and keep shooting as the sky darkens. The moment when the sky brightness matches the building lights is usually the best frame.
What to shoot
Mérida’s cathedral and Plaza Grande, Paseo de Montejo monuments, lit hotel pools and twilight real estate exteriors are all ideal.
Settings
- Tripod, ISO 100, f/8
- Exposures from 1 to 15 seconds
- Two-second timer or remote to avoid shake
- White balance around 4500K to 5000K to keep the sky blue and lights warm
Real estate twilight shots
Turn on every interior and exterior light, open blinds and turn on pool lights. A twilight hero image often becomes the most clicked photo in a listing.
Next: Overcast days: why cloudy skies are great for photography
