The blue hour is a magical time of morning (just before sunrise) or evening (just before sunset) where the landscape is painted with a deep, saturated cool-toned blue, creating a soft, moody, ethereal glow. This unifies the scene in a wash of tranquility.  

I made this image at Rockport Harbor in Maine one early morning, while the boats were still at rest. The water acted like a mirror, reflecting the indigo sky. Boats, fishing vessels and masts are simply dark silhouettes against the inky sky. And sounds are muted – just the gentle lapping of waves, the creaking of masts as boats sway, and the faint, distant calling of seabirds. It feels dreamlike and quiet – for these few minutes.

Then, gradually, the harbor wakes up to the rhythmic metallic clanging of sailboat masts and rigging, footsteps on the piers, and engines starting up. The port comes to life. Sailors call out to each other. Morning has broken.