“The Blue Hour”
In this month’s issue of Photoshop User magazine (official magazine of the NAPP – National Association of Photoshop Professionals) there is an article on ‘The blue Hour’, that time of day that is just after sunset or just before sunrise where the sky is not black, but not the full light blue of day either. When the lights of a city or town are on and the sky is not yet fully dark, you can capture some wonderful images.
To learn more and see some more examples, click the link.
Now as much as I agree with the author of the article in Photoshop User that at that time of day you catch some great light, I disagree with her statement that you should use a high ISO setting. Her suggestion is fine to do as she states, “…freeze the scene.” She is also saying to use high ISO when not using a tripod. I strongly recommend making a good tripod and mounting head as critical a part of your arsenal, as your camera. Good tripods are not expensive and you can get a great little tripod called the Gorillapod for as little as $40 (US) at B&H Photo. That thing will grab onto almost anything!
The following images are shots of the Philadelphia skyline taken in late April of 2005. I shot all three within 37 minutes of each other. The first was shot at 7:51pm and the camera was set at ISO 200 for 1/13th at f/4.2 with a +1/3 EV with the lens at 46mm.
Not too good huh? It’s flat, no real points of interest and meh, it’s just kind of there.
The next image was taken at 8:15pm, just 25 minutes later. This time the camera was set to ISO 200 for 0.8 second at f/4.2 with a +1/3 EV with the lens at 46mm. Only the length of exposure changed. Well, that and now we have some great lights on throughout the city, cars leaving some great light trails, better contrast and the image just “pops!”
The blue hour isn’t an hour long! It fades quickly so you have to be setup and ready for the light. Just 13 minutes later I got the shot below. The camera setup this time: ISO 200 for ½ second at f/4.2 with a +1/3 EV with the lens at 46mm, an even longer exposure. All three were shot with a Nikon D100 with a Sigma 18-125mm f/3.3-5.6 on a tripod. They are not Photoshopped at all, not even a crop, other than sizing.
I like this shot as well as the one just above but for totally different reasons. This image shows a darker, more mysterious city. It still has life and is a vibrant, living place. But somehow it’s more mysterious and, for me, inviting. All the shots were taken from the old South Street Bridge. It is gone now and they are rebuilding a newer version. The old bridge was one of the best bridges open to foot traffic in the city. And if you have been to Philly in the last 18 months you might notice what else is missing. If you know, leave a comment below.
If you want the in-between time, and you want that mysterious look to your neighborhood, get out there just before dusk (or dawn) and wait for the light. It’s coming in the ‘Blue Hour.’
Until next time, Happy Shooting!
Someone noted to me that they felt the D100 was old technology and that the Gorillapod was not strong enough to hold a DSLR and decent sized lens. I wanted to add a few comments to clarify. Below is my response to “Tom”.
Those shots were done in 2005 and the D100. D2 and D2x were the sh*t at the time. I now have a D200 and I am looking at the D3. I have replaced all but one Sigma with Nikkor lenses. I only had the Sigmas because I was under insured when my first D100 and all my Nikkor glass was stolen in 2004.
As for the Gorillapod, the version of the GP that is linked on my blog is actually designed specifically for DSLRs and is rated for up to 6.6 lbs (3kg) and they have one for up to 11 lbs (5kg). Don’t under estimate the GP. Granted the first ones were wimpy but they have come a long way.
For the pro that is on the move the larger Gorillapods are not a bad option. I personally don’t own one, as I have a Manfrotto. The next one I will have will be carbon fiber to reduce weight. it is a bit heavy when treking long trails or large cities. Then again it is also an imposing weapon in bad neighborhoods too!
The GP was just suggested as an option and I feel with the larger, stronger versions, a viable one.
Nice entry Michael! Isn’t it amazing how fast that window of jewel-toned blue and purple to magenta you get is? Once it’s gone it’s just not nearly as interesting. I love your city shots–very nice!