The Blue Hour:New Bern, NC
The Blue Hour; New Bern, NC is a photo series I began a few months ago, inspired by the charm and beauty of downtown New Bern, NC. While there are countless stunning photographs of the area taken in daylight, I wanted to offer a different perspective—one that stands apart from the rest.
I’ve always been drawn to night and low-light photography. There’s a special kind of beauty in those hours, along with the challenge of working with limited light and precise camera settings. For this project, I chose the early morning hours, just before sunrise. It’s a time when downtown feels still and intimate, when a quietness settles over the streets that you can’t find during the day.
In those moments, the city slowly awakens—the moon slips away, the first hints of sunlight brush the rooftops, birds begin their morning songs, and flowers start to open. You can hear the distant hum of delivery trucks, smell fresh bacon and bread drifting from The Baker’s Kitchen, and catch the rich aroma of coffee brewing from nearby cafés. It’s the heartbeat of a new day, subtle but alive.
With “The Blue Hour: New Bern, NC”, my goal is to capture that in-between time—the quiet magic when the night is ending, the day is beginning, and the city is at its most soulful.
"Brick and Light" A classic brick law office glows under the lamplight, its green awnings and polished doorway contrasting with the stillness of the empty street. The quiet of early morning gives the historic building a timeless strength.
"Mitchell Hardware at Dawn" Mitchell Hardware stands warmly lit against the night, its windows showcasing shelves of local charm. A lone streetlamp casts a glow across the sidewalk, evoking the small-town heartbeat of New Bern before the city stirs awake.
"221 Front Door" Golden lanterns illuminate a dark green door set in weathered brick, their glow spilling onto the sidewalk. Shadows and reflections hint at the stories carried behind each doorway in this historic downtown street.
"Historic Corner Entry" An elegant brick building with tall windows and white-trimmed doorway stands proud in the early morning dark. Light spills from within, welcoming visitors into a space where history and modern life meet seamlessly.
"Morgan’s Tavern & Grill" The warm glow of Morgan’s Tavern & Grill lights up the sidewalk, inviting passersby with its cozy charm. Potted palms and benches along the brick storefront add to the welcoming feel of this beloved downtown spot.
"Alleyway Mural" A shadowy mural of bears and human silhouettes stretches along a narrow alley, blending art and history into the fabric of New Bern. The painted figures come alive in the dim light, echoing the quiet energy of the city’s early hours.
"Whitewashed Warehouse" A faded white building with peeling paint and boarded windows sits in the stillness of predawn. The glow of a nearby streetlight softens its worn edges, reminding us that beauty often lingers in weathered places.
"Iron Gate Passage" Through the ornate swirls of an iron gate, a brick path leads into a shadowed garden, dappled with twinkling lights. The scene feels secret and timeless, as though the city itself guards hidden stories just beyond the threshold.
"The Gardens at Isaac Taylor" Bright florals cascade over the wrought iron gate, framing the sign for The Gardens at Isaac Taylor. Even in the quiet of night, the venue radiates elegance and warmth, promising memories within its historic walls.
"Mitchell Hardware & Arts" The glow of Mitchell Hardware and The Accidental Artist spills warmly into the night, their windows showcasing New Bern’s mix of history and creativity. The soft streetlamps line the sidewalk, guiding the way through this timeless stretch of downtown.
"Brick at Rest" A long brick building stretches into the early morning dark, its windows still and shadows deep. A single streetlamp illuminates the corner entrance, reminding us that even in silence, downtown breathes with character.
"Flower Mural" A burst of color brightens the night in the form of a mural: sunflowers, daisies, and chrysanthemums painted with the message, “Be Someone’s Reason to Smile Today!” Against the dark street, the mural feels like pure joy rising from the wall.
"Riverfront Benches" Two benches sit quietly under the trees by the water’s edge, the first light of dawn streaking the horizon. The scene invites stillness and reflection, a place to pause before the day begins.
"Baxter’s by Night" Baxter’s glows like a jewel box under the clock tower, its windows filled with rich displays of vintage timepieces. The warm glow of the lights offers a contrast to the cool night, drawing visitors toward its doors.
"Lamplit Alley" A narrow alleyway lined with lampposts glows in the night, guiding the eye past brick walls and wrought iron fences. The play of shadow and light makes the quiet passageway feel both mysterious and inviting.
"Baxter’s from the Square" From across the square, Baxter’s shines brightly in the blue hour, framed by the branches of overhanging trees. The early morning stillness of the square contrasts beautifully with the lively glow of the tavern’s lights.
"Baxter’s Glow" The historic Baxter’s building comes alive under warm lights, its timeless charm glowing against the stillness of the night street.
"Shadows on the Brick" Streetlamps cast long shadows along the red brick alley, where history and mystery walk side by side.
"Courtyard Silence" An outdoor chapel of brick and benches rests beneath the Spanish moss, a sacred calm in the heart of the city.
"Clocktower at Dawn" The courthouse clock stands tall against the breaking sky, keeping watch as another day begins in New Bern.
"Time on Middle Street" The street clock glows with soft light outside Baxter’s, marking the quiet minutes before the town awakens.