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Blaze a trail
Create trails of light with long shutter times and small apertures. Use your camera's longest shutter time or your camera's bulb mode (if available). Bulb mode lets you keep your shutter indefinitely on some cameras, or for periods of up to 5 or 10 minutes, on others.
Put your camera on a tripod and position yourself at the corner of a busy intersection or on an overpass over a busy highway. Press the shutter release and wait. As cars pass by, they will create streaks of light that travel across your picture.
When you look at your picture, you'll see the road, you'll see the streaks left by headlights and taillights, but you'll see no cars!
That's because the cars move so fast that the camera has no time to register the light reflected off their bodies and are therefore invisible to the camera.
Create abstract images
Use your camera's limitations to your advantage and create attractive abstract images. You'll truly be drawing with light. Things like camera shake and extended shutter times can be used to generate eye-catching effects and photographs that go beyond the mere representation of reality.
Take pictures at sunset
Sunset photographs can be spectacular, but despite all the colours in the sky, fading sunlight is often not strong enough for sharp images. Use a tripod and extended shutter times for better pictures.
Use the sunset as a backlight. Objects and persons photographed in front of a sunset will appear in shadow. A dark silhouette against the blazing colours of the fading sun creates a dramatic contrast.
Explore the meaning of light
Light itself is a fascinating subject. So, why not take pictures of light? Neon signs, lit-up storefronts, streetlamps and headlights are just some of the lights you can photograph. You can even photograph a fireworks display or a lit-up Christmas Tree for a festive image.
Tip 1:
Familiarize yourself with how your camera works in daylight so you don't have to fumble for the controls in the dark.
Tip 2:
Use your optical viewfinder to reduce shake by steadying the camera against your face.
Tip 3:
Digital cameras are great for astronomical photography. You can buy special adapters that let you connect your camera to a telescope. (Some telescopes are sold with such an attachment.) Some cameras, like the Canon 20Da are made specifically for astrophotography.
Night Photography: [1] [2] [3]
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Inside Night Photography:
This night photography tutorial teaches you how to use your camera's advanced features to take great pictures after dark. You'll learn how to use your camera's advanced manual controls, such as ISO setting, aperture and exposure controls, and manual focus. You'll also learn how to set your camera's white balance, how to use a tripod for prolonged exposure, how to look for light and reflections, how to shoot sunset pictures, and how to create abstract images.
To make the most of your night photography, Black's recommends:
Compact Cameras
A camera with a manual shutter and ISO controls. (The longer the maximum shutter time and the higher the ISO number, the better.)
Digital SLRs
A shutter release cable or remote control to prevent camera shake caused by pressing the shutter release button.
Accessories
A tripod to keep your camera steady during prolonged exposures.
Processing
Black's VIVIDPrints® are brighter, sharper and more vivid than the competition, and are perfect for your night photography.
Other Photo Tutorials:
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