As the day transitions into night, there is a magical window of time when the lighting outdoors creates a beautiful, ethereal glow. This is known as twilight, or the “blue hour” and it offers a gorgeous backdrop that can utterly transform the look of your home or business. By having a talented photographer capture your property during the blue hour, you can showcase its architecture and landscaping bathed in warm, dramatic light that is flattering and eye-catching. Lets take a look at blue hour property photography!
When Is the Best Time for Twilight Photos?
The blue hour generally occurs twice a day – once after sunset and again before sunrise. After the sun fully sets, around dusk, there is still sunlight refracting in the upper atmosphere which creates a stunning blue tone in the sky. This deep blue glow gradually fades to reveal the stars and night sky.
The duration of the blue hour changes depending on the time of year and your location, but it typically lasts around 30-40 minutes. Professional real estate and architectural photographers carefully watch sunset times and plan sessions during this short golden window when the lighting is ideal.
Benefits of Twilight Photography
There are several key benefits of having your home or business photographed during the blue hour:
- Dramatic Lighting – Long shadows create depth and dimension and the warm tones from the setting sun cast a gorgeous glow on building exteriors. This beautiful illumination spotlights and enhances architectural details.
- Blue Hour Effect – The rich blue sky contrasted against the warmly lit building creates striking, memorable images with vibrant colour. Things appear warmer and more magical during the blue hour.
- Flattering Perspective – The low lighting helps minimise and camouflage any flaws or blemishes on the property. Smaller details fade away while the gorgeous lighting takes centre stage.
- Added Curb Appeal – Twilight photos help properties stand out and grab attention by showcasing both intriguing shadows and eye-catching light. This lighting helps elevate ordinary spaces.
- Increased Property Value – Dramatic, artful twilight images better represent the property and often increase its perceived value. This photography helps properties sell faster and for more money.
Twilight Photography Tips
If you want to have your home or office photographed to take advantage of brilliant blue hour light, keep these tips in mind:
- Hire a Pro – While it may look simple, properly exposing images during the blue hour takes skill and the right equipment. Be sure to hire an experienced property photographer.
- Scout Locations – Walk around the property ahead of the shoot and identify the exteriors and architectural details that you want to highlight at twilight. Communicate must-have shots to the photographer.
- Check Sunset Time – Coordinate session timing based on sunset time to ensure ideal blue hour light. You generally want to start 30 minutes before sunset and continue shooting after for 30-40 minutes.
- Consider Direction – Note which way building faces are oriented so the photographer can capture both front and back illuminated by the setting sun at different times.
- Enhance Landscaping – Having freshly mowed lawns, trimmed hedges and bushes, and vibrant flowers help showcase the home and property beautifully during the golden hour.
- Have Patience – It takes time for the light to transition, so be prepared to wait and allow the photographer to fully capture the perfect moments as the blue hour unfolds.
Final Words
The gorgeous lighting that occurs during the blue hour lasts for a short period of time but offers an incredible opportunity to showcase residential or commercial spaces in a breathtaking new way. Hiring a professional photographer to capture high quality images of your property illuminated at twilight is a smart investment that can pay dividends in terms of increased perceived value, visibility, and buyer interest. Take advantage of blue hour property photography to transform your listing!