Blue Hour on Washington Ave
Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis has a history that is evident in its century-old brick buildings. Once the center of the garment district, this stretch of the city now pulses with nightlife, restaurants, and art galleries. On a warm summer evening, I found myself there meeting friends for dinner.
Making my way down the sidewalk I passed by the different restaurants, the scent of their unique cuisines escaping the kitchens. Sounds of honking horns, laughter from sidewalk cafes, and the distant hum of live music filled the air.
Dinner was great—good food, easy conversation—but my attention kept drifting to the large windows at the front of the restaurant. Washington Avenue was alive, full of people, cars, and the buzz of the evening.
As the sun started to set, the streetlights flickered on, casting a warm amber glow over the historic facades. Neon signs buzzed to life, their colors cutting through the dimming light. I knew I needed to capture the scene outside the window.
As blue hour settled in, the sky turned soft shades of pink and purple, reflecting off the century-old facades like a painter working with a delicate touch. The street seemed to transform, the warm glow from the lamps highlighting the intricate details of the old stone buildings. The greenery and vibrant red flowers along the street added a natural frame, bringing the urban scene to life in a way that felt timeless.
Without standing, I raised my camera high, angling it to shoot over the heads of the people around me. I took a few shots, framing Washington Avenue carefully to capture its historic charm, the modern energy, and the subtle beauty that most people miss in the rush of the evening.