How to Photograph the Boston Skyline during the Blue Hour

Most of these instructions are for DSLR and Mirrorless Camera users. But, you can still take great shots with smartphones and Point & Shoot cameras. Many of these steps will still apply.

  • The location for this shot is along the waterfront next to the Moakley Federal Courthouse in the Seaport District.
  • There is plenty of parking nearby.
  • Arrive no later than 1 hour before sunset.
  • Find the best location for your composition and shot. Anticipate where other photographers might set up.
  • Setup your tripod, camera, and cable release. Weight down your tripod if it is not stable or if it is windy out.
  • Best shots will be using RAW file format.
  • Best shots will be using manual exposure mode.
  • Frame/compose the shot that you want – use liveview – make sure the framet is level.
  • Look for negative space between the buildings if you can. The shot above was taken further down the chainlink. There is another shot closer which will allow you to pickup the Customs House.
  • Adjust camera settings – they will be changing as the light changes.  ISO and Aperture usually remain constant while shutter speeds will become longer and longer. I shoot at ISO 100 and somewhere between F11 – F22 depending on the location. This shot was at F16.
  • Expose for the brightest part of the scene – start with metering for the sky.
  • Always bracket shots:  1-stop above and 1-stop below meter reading, and also what your meter is reading for a total of 3 shots every time.
  • Choose a focus spot, lock focus, and then switch to manual focus. Be aware of the Depth-of-Field. In this case, I focused on the chainlink with my settings.
  • Make test shots.  Find the right composition.  Adjust. Shoot gain and repeat.
  • Watch for and include moving boats or exclude them. With slow shutter speeds they will cause light streaks.
  • Shoot as the sun goes down until about 30 or 40 minutes after sunset or until the sky looks too dark in the photos.
  • The sun moves fast and the color changes fast, so work fast. The blue hour will start in the sky by the airport and then will move around to the city. Check the color of the sky with your smartphone. Yo may not see it with your eyes.
  • As the light changes, adjust camera settings – usually shutter speed.
  • Look in back of where you are shooting.  Reflections are often wonderful and surprising.
  • My settings: ISO 100, F16, 30s, @32mm.
  • And shoot lots of frames. Film is cheap!
  • Happy Shooting!