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Night photography is great. And the results can be outstanding. So why are
digital photographers often disappointed?
Be disappointed no longer! Follow the tips here, get some practice in, and start producing some night time city photography to be proud of!
The tips here will require some equipment. None of it is that special, or that expensive though.
And you probably already own the most important piece of
equipment - a camera.
If you haven't already done so, have a look at the night photography equipment page. (opens in new window)
Next to a camera, the most important thing you will need is some tips - and
you'll find those below.
SAFETY NOTE: Be aware that some places
are less safe than others after dark. Take sensible precautions. Keep your
camera hidden as far as possible, and maybe take a friend along too.
Night Photography techniques
- the set up
When taking night time photos of cities, there are a couple of planning tips
you will need to bear in mind before you take any photos:
First, you need a good viewpoint;
And second, you need either a tripod or a solid base to place your camera on.
The viewpoint - this depends a little on the type of shot you are after. My
preference is for somewhere that is above the ground (a set of steps, for
example), but not always. Sometimes
the best shots can be had at ground level.
You need a tripod or solid base because your camera's shutter will be
open for several seconds, and you need to make sure the camera doesn't move
during those seconds.
Then, if you have a tripod, secure your camera upon it. If you don't, find a solid
surface to rest your camera on; propping it up with something like a bag or
jumper.
Once your camera is in place, make sure your shutter speed is set to a good
few seconds. Start with about 15 seconds.
If you can't control your camera's shutter speed, set it to "night" mode.
Click here to read more about
what shutter
speed is, and
using shutter speed creatively.
Night photography - taking
the photo
Once you are set up (camera on a solid surface, self timer primed), you are
ready to shoot.
First, check your scene. Is everything in it that you wanted to be in it? If
you are aiming to get streaking car headlights, is there any traffic around?
Once you are happy with things, press the shutter button.
Your self timer will count down. Special Note! - If you are waiting for
something to appear in your scene, you will need to remember that your shutter
speed will have to count down first - time for this.
When the shutter clicks, wait. And wait, and wait . . . until it closes
again. Remember that this will be a few seconds.
Then wait some more. Because of the long exposure digital cameras take longer
than usual to process the photo, so your preview on your camera's LCD screen may
take a while to show up.
Night photography - what
makes a good shot?
This is just my opinion, but here are a couple of things that I think make a
good night photography shot:
- Neon lights
- Streaks of car headlights and tail lights
- Available light
For both of these you need to plan a little in advance. Find an area where
you can safely photograph neon lights.
Find your solid spot (or put your camera onto a tripod), and then take a few
shots. Because neon lights flash you will need the shutter to be open for some
time in order to catch all the flashes.
And for streaks of car headlights and tail lights - find a spot with a lot of
traffic.
Try to get something in the background too - streaks of light on their
own can be a little boring!
Then take your shot.
The longer the shutter is open, the more streaks you
will capture. And of course, the more traffic there is, the more streaks will
appear too!
The available light also has a part to play in making a good night
photography shot.
Sometimes a scene looks its best when set amongst inky-black skies.
Sometimes, a little light works best, so shots just before dark really sets in
are worth a try too.
Try both, and see what captures the effect you are after best.
Night photography - final
tip
My final tip is very simply this - practice!
You will find that sometimes a 10 second exposure gets the look you are
after. Sometimes you may need up to a minute.
Practice, and you will soon get a feel for what you will need for any given
situation.
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