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Night photography - capturing cityscapes
By Dan Feildman | November 5, 2008
If you are planning on doing some night photography I have a few planning tips you will need to keep in mind prior to taking your evening shots:
The first thing you need is a good viewpoint;
Once you have chosen your viewpoint the second thing you will need is either a solid base or a tripod to set your camera on. Viewpoints always depend on what type of shot you are looking for. I will typically try to look for somewhere that is little bit above the ground (a set of steps, for example), but not always. Some times the best photos are those which are taken 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 your camera doesn’t let you control the shutter speed, set it to “night” mode.
Once you are set up (camera on a solid surface, self timer primed), you are ready to shoot.
The first thing you want to do is observe your scene. Does it contain everything that you wanted to be in it? If you are hoping to get streaking car headlights do you notice any traffic around?
Once you have your scene figured out you can finally 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 you hear the shutter click it is actually opening up so you want to wait. And wait, and wait . . . until it closes again. Remember, depending on the length of time you set it for, that this could take a few seconds.
If you don’t see the preview right away on the LCD there is no need to worry. Due to the long exposure time digital cameras usually take longer than usual to process the photo.
If you are looking for some ideas on what to photograph here are a few things that I have used which make a good night photography shot:
Neon lights Streaks of car headlights and tail lights Available light There is some advance planning that you need to do for these ideas. Whatever you choose for you subject you want to find an area where you can photograph safely.
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.
For photographing streaks of car headlights and tail lights you will obviously want to find a spot that has a good bit of traffic, but again, be safe in your choice of locations.
One thing to try is to use something in the background as well; usually streaks of light photographed on their own can be a bit 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!
Available light also has a part to play in creating 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.
The best bit of advice is to try both and see which captures the effect you are after best.
You also will want to play around with your shutter speed since there are times you will find that a 10 second exposure gets the look you are after. Sometimes you may need up to a minute.
If you practice you will soon get a feel for what you will need for any given situation.
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