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What are Blue Hours?
Blue hours are those between two sunsets, when the sky is darkest and the most beautiful light can be seen in the twilight. If you shoot the early morning, when the light is golden, the effect is warm and inviting. But if you shoot the evening, when the sky is dark, you have to use a flash. This can produce a stark contrast between light and dark, making it harder to capture the subtle beauty of the colors.
The following are tips for shooting blue hours in Paris.
1. Learn to shoot in the blue hours
Shooting in the blue hours means you need to adapt your camera settings to match the change of light. While it’s easy to go out and start snapping away, there are a few adjustments you need to make to ensure you capture the best images.
If you are using a DSLR, you’ll probably want to use the manual setting on the camera. This will help you keep an eye on how much light you’re exposing to, allowing you to make the most of the changing light. You might have to experiment with different settings to see which works best for your subject. It’s worth checking with your camera manual if you aren’t sure.
You’ll want to change your shutter speed as the light changes. The faster you can shoot, the more your subject will be blurred. At sunrise and sunset, you’ll want to use a slow shutter speed. The slower you are, the more detail you’ll be able to capture. In the blue hours, you’ll need to adjust your shutter speed to about 1/4th of a second.
2. Plan your shots
As well as adjusting your camera settings to capture the blue hours, you’ll need to plan ahead. It’s all too easy to rush out with your camera and hope you get something good. However, there’s no harm in having a plan in mind and ensuring you’ve got the right composition before you take the shot.
This will allow you to capture the most natural looking image. If you aren’t sure what you are aiming for, try out different compositions. You could also try photographing the lights from a tripod. This will help you control the exposure and keep the movement of the clouds sharp.
It’s important to be selective. If you are out and about, you might find it hard to avoid shooting the same things over and over again. As a result, you might end up with a series of similar images. It’s always nice to have a different shot to go with your new photo.
3. Practice in the studio
Once you’ve mastered capturing the blue hours, you can then take your photography to the next level. You’ll need to practice in a controlled environment. Working in a studio can help you take your photography to the next level.
In the studio, you’ll be able to practice your composition, working with different lighting to create different moods. It will also help you improve your technique, for example, by practicing different ways of keeping your subject steady. The best way to do this is by using a tripod.
4. Find the perfect location
There are a lot of locations you can use to photograph. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try a rooftop. The view will be different from the ground, giving you a whole new perspective on the city. Alternatively, you might want to find a church or a café.
5. Use a tripod.
A tripod stabilizes your camera and minimizes camera shake. You can set your camera on a table or the floor. If the shutter is open for more than a few seconds, the vibrations caused by the tripod can make your images blurry. To reduce the effect of camera shake, try putting your camera on a sturdy tripod.
6. Try shooting from below.
This is especially helpful if you are using a camera that has a built-in flash. If you are shooting from above, you are likely to have the flash in your face, which will make the lighting uneven and harsh. By shooting from below, you get a different angle that emphasizes the shape of the subject.
7. Use a wide-angle lens.
The wider the lens, the wider your angle of view. This will allow you to include more of the landscape or room you are photographing. A wide-angle lens gives you more creative options than a normal lens.
8. Shoot in the shade.
This is the best time to photograph the colors of nature. The cool, muted colors of the early evening will complement the warm tones of sunset.
9. Avoid artificial light.
The artificial light of a city street will wash out the colors in your photographs. Try photographing in the country, or in a park.