Golden Hour vs Blue Hour, Explained

Golden hour is the ~30 minutes before sunset when light is warm and directional; blue hour is the ~20–30 minutes after the sun sets when the sky turns deep blue and pink. Shoot through both — most people leave right when it’s getting good.

Golden hour

• When: roughly the last 30 minutes before sunset (and first 30 after sunrise).
• Light: warm, soft, low and directional — flattering and full of long shadows.
• Best for: silhouettes, warm portraits, landscapes with texture.
• Settings: low ISO, f/8–f/11, warm white balance, expose for the sky.

Blue hour

• When: the 20–30 minutes after the sun dips below the horizon.
• Light: even and cool, with deep blues and lingering pinks; city lights start to glow.
• Best for: moody skies, cityscapes, water reflections, rich colour.
• Settings: you’ll need a tripod as shutter speeds slow right down.

The takeaway

Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and stay 30 minutes after. That one habit — not leaving when the sun disappears — is what separates good sunset photos from great ones.

Put it into practice with how to photograph the perfect sunset, or on a phone with pro sunset photos on just your phone. More in Golden Hour.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between golden hour and blue hour?

Golden hour is the roughly 30 minutes before sunset (and after sunrise) when light is warm and soft. Blue hour is the 20–30 minutes after the sun sets, when the sky turns deep blue and pink.

Which is better for photos, golden hour or blue hour?

Both are great for different looks. Golden hour is best for warm portraits and silhouettes; blue hour is best for moody skies, city lights, and rich colour. Shoot through both.