blue hour Archives - DIY Photography

Keep Taking Pictures After Sunset!

July 14, 2016 by JP Danko 5 Comments

Every once in awhile I find myself somewhere where there is a large number of people watching a sunset – and where there are people watching a sunset, there are people taking photos of it.

One interesting trend that I have noticed over the years is that as soon as the sun drops below the horizon, everyone puts their cameras away.

That’s it – show’s over – good job nature, nothing more to see here.

We all love a good sunset – but the best photos can often be captured after sunset – so in this article I want to show you some before and after examples of photos taken after sunset to hopefully inspire you to keep your camera out after the sun goes down.

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Transcendent Photos Of Two Siberian Huskies Playing On A Frozen Lake

March 17, 2015 by Tiffany Mueller 6 Comments

Let these sublime photos, taken by Fox Grom, serve as a testament as to why we should all get out and shoot during blue hour more often. Residing in Kirovsk (Murmansk Oblast, Russia), Grom took his Siberian Huskies out to a nearby lake. Though still safely frozen solid, the lake melted down marginally to produce a thin layer of water that blanketed the icy surface–just enough to give the appearance the dogs were walking on water.

Moreover, the soothing azure tones of the sky blend perfectly into the cold, blue lake and layer of fog that rests atop the surface. Consequently, the photos have an almost ethereal appearance. The dogs seem to be slightly curious about their new playground, but are clearly in their element as they frolic and play together on the frozen horizon.[Read More…]

It’s Only Magic If You Know How To Use It; Getting The Most Out Of Magic Hour

December 9, 2014 by Tiffany Mueller 1 Comment

We all know how great the light is during those magical hours that surround sunrise and sunset, but knowing good light exists is only half the battle. Given that golden hour is so fleeting and the light changes so rapidly, you also need some camera skills and, most importantly, a little creativity to turn an ordinary photo into an incredible one. As Corey Rich explains the process he used to create the photo you see above, you begin to understand the real magic behind stunning magic hour shots is a combination of preparation, observation, and, of course, serendipity.

“This is what happens when you’re outside in the right place, the light’s nice, you’ve done everything in your power to arrange the situation, you stack the cards in your favorite and you get that added element and, boom, you start making really interesting pictures.”

In the video below, Rich continues to explain one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the most out of the magic that is golden hour light, is to get there early and stay late. Do everything in your power to set yourself up for a great shot, be patient, examine the scene with an open mind, and be ready to fire the shutter on a moments notice…[Read More…]