The latest craze in wedding photography – “blue hour” photography – captures the magical, fleeting moments just before sunrise or after sunset. This twilight photography moment bathes engagement sessions or wedding portraits in soft, cool-toned light, making it easy to see why this cinematic, ethereal style is taking over social feeds.

We spoke with expert Pittsburgh wedding photographers Christina Montemurro and Carly D’Angelo to gather insider tips on blue hour photography, including what to wear, how to pose, and how to make the most of this short but stunning window of time. From engagement portraits to wedding day photo reels – or even a spontaneous “just because” nighttime couples shoot – here’s everything you need to know to capture the beauty of blue hour in your photography session.

How do you define blue hour?

Carly D’Angelo: Blue hour isn’t actually an hour, unfortunately. It refers to the time just before the sun rises or just after the sun sets. The lighting is very soft and cool, and typically lasts around 20–30 minutes.

Why should couples book a blue hour photoshoot?

Carly D’Angelo: Booking a session around blue hour has quite a few benefits. The clouds during that time often take on a “cotton candy” coloring, adding a bit of drama to the backdrop. If the sky is clear, it looks tranquil, with shades of blue and orange. I love that it allows photographers to get creative and use the lighting to their advantage. Pittsburgh’s cityscape from the North Shore looks particularly stunning during this time! If you’re out in nature, you’ll likely have the space to yourselves, creating a little peaceful romance.

Christina Montemurro: I’ve always encouraged my couples to sneak out for a few night photos and, whenever possible, time them to happen at blue hour. Why blue hour rather than total darkness? Because the sky has so much more character when it’s a dark, inky blue rather than completely black.

Do you have any tips for planning a blue hour shoot?

Christina Montemurro: Trust your photographer! They’ll know the best time to sneak out for photos. The exact timing might vary depending on their style and preference, but timing is key. If these photos are a priority for you, ask your photographer and DJ or band ahead of time to ensure reception events won’t be impacted. While everyone loves a sunny day, cloudy or stormy skies can look even more dramatic, and rain is absolutely gorgeous at this time of day.

Is posing in blue hour different?

Christina Montemurro: Blue hour photos are a great time to be a little less formal. Skip the veil, leave out the bouquet, and men can ditch their jackets. If it’s cold, women might want a shawl, scarf, or faux fur. Motion looks fantastic in blue hour photos – spins, dips, and lifts make the shots even more dynamic.

Do you have tips on finding locations for blue hour photography?

Carly D’Angelo: I recommend either a cityscape backdrop or a landscape with a wide, open view, like a field or overlook. I love shooting with lanterns during this time because they let us see the couple’s faces with authentic lighting while also preserving the quality of the blue hour background. It’s also a great opportunity for silhouette poses. I like to have my couples hold each other, take in the setting they’re sharing, and talk about something romantic, like their proposal or how they met.

Do you have any favorite locations for blue hour shots?

Christina Montemurro: The ideal location is a place where you can see some sky – to bring in that deep blue color – and where there are some ambient light fixtures. These could be bistro lights, streetlights, bridge lights, venue lights, or even car headlights. Again, trust your photographer!

Any other advice for couples interested in a blue hour photoshoot?

Carly D’Angelo: If you’re planning for a full hour of photos outside, I recommend starting the session time 30 minutes before the sun rises or sets. Make sure the photographer you hire is experienced working in a variety of lighting scenarios. Ask to see examples of their previous blue hour work so you can ensure their shooting and editing style aligns with what you want. 

Christina Montemurro: The biggest caveat with blue hour – it lasts far less than an hour. It depends on the location and weather, but I’d aim for about 15 minutes after sunset. Know that you may only have about 15 minutes before you lose that deep blue hue. If your photographer tells you it’s time to go – don’t delay!

So, is blue hour a trend or timeless?

Christina Montemurro: I tend to be inherently skeptical of anything labeled a “trend,” because that implies people are only doing it because it’s currently popular, rather than because it has lasting value. However, if blue hour is a trend, let it stay forever!