Nikon D90; AF-S Nikkor Lens 18-105mm f3.5-5.6

ISO 3200; f 5.6; 1/30 sec

I shot this pic of Manhattan at sunset last summer and was amazed by the vibrance of the sky and water. I did not enhance the color or use a filter of any kind. And I’ve never been quite sure why the colors came out so rich……..until NOW!

While reading Weddings, a photography book by Suzy Clement, I came upon this little tidbit of information.

BLUE HOUR: this is the time between full daylight and full darkness, or the period of twilight right after sunset.  This occurs when the sun has set passed the horizon, causing the light to have to travel a greater distance through the atmosphere. This scatters the blue light, creating this vibrant effect. The best time to start shooting is about 20 minutes after sunset.  If you rush it, and shoot too early, the sky and color will appear washed out.

THANKS SUZY!