The mysterious blue hour.

Why is the blue hour so beloved by photographers? And how can you make the most of that stunning, deep blue hue for landscape and nature photography?

In this blog, I explain exactly what the blue hour is and why Texel is one of the most beautiful places to capture this magical moment. You'll also find practical tips and the best locations on the island for the perfect shot.

What is the Blue Hour?
The blue hour is a magical time of day that captivates both photographers and nature lovers. It occurs 1 hour before sunrise and half/1 hour after sunset, when the sun is just below the horizon. During this brief period, the sky takes on a deep, cool blue tone, and a unique, soft light envelops the world in an almost fairytale-like atmosphere.

Unlike the golden hour — which bathes everything in warm, orange light — the blue hour creates a calm and cool mood. Shadows are softer, contrasts more subtle, and colors take on an almost cinematic quality. This makes the blue hour especially well-suited for landscape, cityscape, and nature photography.

The duration of the blue hour depends on your geographical location, the season, and weather conditions. In the Netherlands, it typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, making timing essential. For photographers, it’s a moment that calls for focus, preparation, and patience — often rewarded with breathtaking results.

Why is the Blue Hour so Special?
The blue hour is special because of its unique atmosphere and the enchanting light that you won't find at any other time of day. Here are a few reasons why this moment speaks to photographers, artists, and nature lovers alike:

1. The light is soft and mysterious.
During the blue hour, sunlight is indirect and diffused, which means there are no harsh shadows. It gives the world a soft, almost dreamlike appearance. This mood evokes emotion and results in images with depth and character.
2. The color temperature is unique.
The sky turns deep blue to indigo, sometimes with hints of purple or cool pastel tones. These colors contrast beautifully with artificial light sources (like street lamps or window lights), creating magical scenes—especially in urban photography.
3. Perfect for long exposures.
Since the light is dim but not completely gone, the blue hour is ideal for long exposures. It’s perfect for capturing motion in water, clouds, or car light trails, without risking overexposure.
4. A moment of calm.
The world is often quieter during the blue hour—people haven’t yet started their day or are heading home. This gives photographers a peaceful window to capture their surroundings, often free of distractions.

In short, the blue hour is a fleeting moment that bridges the day and night. Its briefness makes it all the more precious—it invites you to pause, observe, and photograph with intention.

The Magic of the Blue Hour on Texel
There are places where the blue hour holds just that little extra touch of enchantment — and Texel is undoubtedly one of them. When the sun has just dipped below the horizon and the island is bathed in a cool blue glow, Texel takes on an almost surreal atmosphere. Colors begin to fade, the light softens, and nature seems to hold its breath. This is the moment when Texel reveals its most poetic side.

What makes Texel so special during the blue hour is its diverse landscape. From the vast beaches to the dunes of De Slufter, and from quiet forest edges to the iconic lighthouse near De Cocksdorp — each place offers a different experience of light, space, and silence. The blue of the sky reflects off the wet sand, pools of water turn into mirrors, and birds slowly return to their roosts. The island doesn’t come to a halt, but it slows down.

For photographers, this is when everything comes together: the perfect light, the island’s stillness, and a color palette you simply can’t replicate. Even familiar spots on Texel seem to take on something new during the blue hour — more mysterious, more intimate, almost magical.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply strolling through the dunes with your smartphone, the blue hour on Texel invites you to look with intention. To pause. To breathe. And then: to capture what is almost impossible to hold — the magic of the moment.

Tips for Photographing During the Blue Hour

1. Use a tripod. During the blue hour, light is limited, which means you’ll need longer shutter speeds. A tripod prevents motion blur and ensures crisp, sharp images even in low light.

2. Shoot in manual mode. Auto settings often struggle in low light. Use manual settings to take control:

-Low ISO (100–400) to minimize noise
-Narrow apertures (f/8 – f/11) for maximum sharpness
-Long shutter speeds (1–30 seconds) to capture motion in water, clouds, or lights

3. Use a remote shutter or timer.
Even pressing the shutter button can cause vibrations. Use a remote release or set a 2- or 10-second timer to avoid camera shake.

4. Pay attention to white balance.
Auto white balance may neutralize the beautiful blue tones. Set it manually to ‘daylight’ or ‘tungsten’ to preserve or enhance the cool colors.

5.Shoot in RAW.
RAW files offer much more flexibility in post-processing, especially in low light. You can easily adjust white balance and exposure without losing quality.

6. Look for reflections and silhouettes.
Still water, wet sand, or windows can beautifully reflect the blue tones. Silhouettes of trees, buildings, or people also stand out dramatically against the cool background.

7.Choose a strong composition.
With subtle light, a well-thought-out composition becomes even more important. Use leading lines, foreground interest, or a striking subject to strengthen your shot.

8. Arrive early – and stay a bit longer.
The blue hour is brief. Arrive well ahead of time to find your perfect spot. Stick around afterward too — sometimes the best light appears at the very end.