Norfolk Commercial & Branding Photographer

Twilight has always been one of my favorite times to shoot — that short, fleeting window when the world transitions from day to night and everything takes on a soft, cinematic glow. The light becomes rich and dimensional, buildings come alive, and the environment transforms into something almost surreal.

At Glenn Bashaw Photographer, twilight sessions are a core part of how I help clients elevate their visual presence — especially in architectural and commercial work where mood and atmosphere make all the difference.

But twice a year, photographers everywhere — myself included — have to reset their internal clocks. It’s that time again: the end of Daylight Saving Time.

When the clocks roll back, so does the light. That perfect blue hour that used to linger after 7:00 p.m. now sneaks up closer to 6:00. For clients and photographers alike, this subtle shift can change everything about how a commercial shoot is planned — especially for businesses that want to capture their storefronts, architecture, or exteriors just as the lights come on.

The Magic of Twilight

Twilight — also known as blue hour — happens twice a day: once before sunrise and again just after sunset. It’s that rare balance where the world is still visible, but artificial lights begin to glow. The sky turns deep blue, the air cools, and the light wraps everything in a natural vignette.

For a commercial photographer, it’s one of the most rewarding (and challenging) times to work.

This is when a restaurant’s warm interior lighting glows invitingly through the windows, a hotel exterior reflects the last hints of color in the sky, or a real estate property radiates elegance under perfectly balanced ambient and artificial light. Twilight photography adds emotion and atmosphere — it’s not just a record of a place, it’s an experience of it.

Clients love these shots because they elevate brand perception. A well-captured twilight image makes a property look sophisticated, professional, and vibrant — whether it’s a boutique storefront in downtown Norfolk, a waterfront restaurant in Virginia Beach, or a modern office complex glowing against the horizon.

Adjusting to the Time Shift

With Daylight Saving Time ending, twilight happens about an hour earlier than we’re used to. If you’ve been shooting at 7:00 p.m., that golden-to-blue hour transition is now closer to 6:00 — and it catches people off guard every year.

That means preparation is everything.

Here’s how I adjust my workflow to keep my shoots on track and my clients’ images looking their best:

🗓 Plan Ahead

Scout your locations and double-check your local sunset and twilight times. Apps like PhotoPills, Sun Seeker, or The Photographer’s Ephemeris are lifesavers for planning the perfect window. Knowing exactly when that 20–30 minute window hits helps me time lighting setups and exposures precisely.

💬 Communicate With Clients

One of the easiest ways to stay on schedule is to remind clients that “the good light” now comes earlier. I make a point of sending quick updates when the time change approaches — especially for architectural or commercial clients scheduling exterior work. It saves stress, keeps expectations aligned, and avoids last-minute rushes.

⏰ Arrive Early

Twilight doesn’t wait for anyone. Getting to the location early ensures I can fine-tune angles, stage lights, and prepare for the exact moment the balance between natural and artificial light is perfect.

🌆 Embrace the Change

Shorter days can actually be an advantage — earlier shoots mean less waiting, smoother workflows, and more opportunities to capture multiple locations in one evening. The light fades fast, but that’s what makes it so magical.

A Few Technical Tips for Twilight Success

Getting the most out of twilight photography requires both patience and precision. Here are a few of my go-to techniques as a Norfolk Commercial Photographer:

Shoot Bracketed Exposures
The contrast between the sky and ground changes quickly. Bracketing multiple exposures gives me flexibility in post-production to blend for perfect balance and depth.

Use Reflections to Your Advantage
Wet pavement, glass facades, or even nearby water can add incredible atmosphere to a twilight shot. Reflections amplify color and dimension, especially when the ambient light is fading.

Balance Color Temperature
Mixing natural and artificial light sources can be tricky. I adjust white balance carefully to keep skies rich and warm lights inviting — creating a cohesive, natural feel.

Incorporate Light Trails or Motion
If the setting allows, adding movement — cars passing, people walking, or interior lighting transitions — can give your image energy and life.

Why Twilight Photography Matters for Businesses

In commercial and architectural photography, twilight imagery is about more than aesthetics — it’s about brand storytelling.

For developers, it highlights architectural design and environmental context.
For restaurants and hotels, it captures ambience, warmth, and hospitality.
For real estate professionals, it’s what makes a listing stand out in a sea of thumbnails.

Twilight photography adds emotion to marketing visuals, helping businesses:

Attract attention online with scroll-stopping imagery
Showcase property lighting and design details
Build credibility through professional, high-impact visuals
Differentiate themselves from competitors

It’s one of the most effective ways to communicate quality, atmosphere, and identity in a single frame.

The Payoff: Embracing the Season

When the time changes, many people dread losing daylight — but for me, it’s the start of one of the most exciting creative seasons of the year.

With earlier sunsets, I can schedule more twilight shoots back-to-back, capture a variety of architectural styles in perfect light, and help clients take advantage of that “just-lit” glow that makes their spaces come alive.

The shift might take a little adjusting, but the payoff is worth it: richer skies, glowing interiors, and images that feel timeless.

So as we move into shorter days and longer nights, don’t fight the early darkness — chase it. Twilight is where the magic happens, and it’s the perfect time to create those glowing, atmospheric images that define your brand and set your business apart.

📍 Based in Norfolk, Virginia, I specialize in commercial, architectural, and twilight photography for developers, real estate professionals, and businesses throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.

📸 Let’s capture your space at its most beautiful — when the lights come on and the sky begins to glow.
Contact me today to schedule your twilight session.

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Chasing Twilight: Adjusting to the Time Change as a Commercial Photographer