Using low light as a highlight
Twilight “blue hour” intentionally chosen to highlight lighting design
Architecture photographers are obsessed with weather forecasts. Everyone wants good weather for their photoshoot as this usually translates to good light (though not always the case). Of course there is only so much good light in a day and some projects require a lot of planning to capture certain parts of a project at the best time in the day to benefit from natural light. It can sometimes feel like a race, especially on those shorter days in the winter months. However, as the sun dips below the horizon, new photographic opportunities emerge.
Twilight photography in the world of architecture and interior design often reveals stunning visuals that can't be replicated during daylight, and in many circumstances, twilight imagery should be included in your shot list.
1. Showcasing Landscape design: The interplay of dimming natural light and emerging artificial lighting can create a beautiful blend of colours and textures that accentuates your outdoor spaces.
2. Materiality: Unique wall or floor treatments come alive at twilight. Texture, shadow, and depth are highlighted.
3. Lighting Design: As the day transitions into night, lighting design takes center stage. Twilight photography is perfect for showcasing the artistry of lighting schemes, from soft, ambient glows to dramatic focal points inside and out.
4. Subject Isolating and/ or Highlighting: Photographing your project at dusk allows you to isolate your subject amidst a darker background. Your building or room becomes a beacon, drawing attention to its design and details.
5. Bad Weather Solution: Sometimes things don’t align and when bad weather decides to play spoilsport during your photoshoot, twilight can come to the rescue, especially for exteriors. The dusk ambiance helps mask uncooperative weather conditions / clouds and can turn them into an asset.
As with all things architecture photography, planning is key. The ideal twilight conditions are only short lived so its back to that race again to get the images needed in the short window of ‘blue light’.
Are you an architect or designer seeking to elevate your portfolio with stunning twilight photography? We can help with this. Let's create stunning images together. Contact us today and let your architecture and interior design projects shine, even after the sun has set.