Everyone has to start out as a beginner and learn as they go, it
is through trial and error that we succeed and this is definitely true when it
comes to photography and learning how to take night photos. If you have ever
tried night photography you know just how tricky it can really be. Often times
disastrous results occur and most people just give up. But if Ansel Adams,
Steve McCurry or Robert Capa had given up the world of photography would not be
what it is today. Besides the old proverb practice makes perfect there are
quite a few tips on how to take night photos just like the pros do.
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How To Take Night Photos
Believe it or not when it comes to learning how to take night
photos timing is everything. Ask any professional and they will tell you the
best time for night shots is during that “twilight” period. This is the time
where the sun is just about gone but there is still some faint light in the
sky. The slight light coming from the sky will add detail to parts that
otherwise would have been unlit and dark.
Another great tip is to find the place that you want to take
photos of, research it and then go back the next night so you are prepared and
know exactly where your points of interests are, so you save that valuable
twilight time. After mastering learning how to take night photos in this
setting there will be no building, city scape or skyline that you cannot
conquer.
The one thing that can ruin both day and night photos is movement.
Movement will cause that grainy look, trails of light and overall blur. It is
frustrating enough learning how to take night photos that last thing needed is
for a perfect shot to go wrong because of something simple like movement.
Unlike the tripods of yesteryear there are many options on the market today.
The best investment out there is a pocket tripod, just make sure
the quality is there so when set up it cannot be moved by any passing breeze or
from the weight of the camera. Many people do not want to make the initial
investment but when you are just learn how to take night photos it is well
worth it. If you think about the amount of time and money wasted on photos it
really justifies the purchase of a tripod.
Another great tip when learning how to take night photos is to
remember even touch the camera to press the button will cause vibration and
move the camera even if it is just slightly. This is much more noticeable at
night so the best way to take a shot is through a remote shutter release or a
self-timer.
There is a simple formula for taking night photos regardless of the
time of night or where the setting is. The formula is “slow shutter speed means
the aperture stays open longer and that equals long exposure”. That is one of
the most important things to learn on how to take night photos – long exposure
is necessary. That is the key to taking successful night photos.
By using a long exposure details that would be impossible to see
at night because of the darkness will be noticeable because more light is
allowed into the camera. Exposure or shutter speed defines how long the shutter
stays opened determining how much light is able to be collected on the image
sensor.
Exposure or shutter speed can be somewhat tricky to understand
because it is measured in seconds. For example 1:4 is actually 1/4 of a second;
the larger the bottom number is the shorter the exposure time is and any slight
shaken of the camera can cause very blurry photos if it is set any longer the
1/15 of a second.
By setting the camera for a longer exposure time it allows the
aperture to stay open for a longer period of time to gather the right amount of
light needed to take an excellent photo at night. The aperture is actually the
apparatus that opens and closes manually making a bigger or smaller hole for
the light to travel through. You manually can set the aperture too different
levels by the F-stops on your camera.
When learning how to take night photos it is important to be able
to understand the working of the aperture because virtually that is what is
going to let the light in. Even if you have it set for a longer exposure time
but the aperture is not opened enough the photos will still not come out right.
By looking through the LCD on your camera while adjusting the aperture you can
see how it works.
Another useful tip is when you want to eliminate motion in your
shot try using a larger aperture while using a shorter exposure setting. You
can avoid over-exposing any stationary lights in your shot by using a smaller
aperture and using a longer exposure setting. Experiment with the aperture for
different scenes and you will be surprised what results you get.
By using a long exposure it is almost like opening up a door to a
whole new world in photography this includes capturing motion. Many of the
famous night time photos of Las Vegas, Times Square and the San Francisco
Bridge were shot using a long exposure setting. By practicing with the aperture
as well you will be able to achieve many shots that you never thought were
possible. Stability is also the key to a great night time photo; always use a
tripod and remote shutter release when you can.
How To Take Night Photos –
The Conclusion
Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day and the photographers that
have award winning night photos of Rome had to learn too. But hopefully with
these tips, enjoying yourself and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE you will have
learned how to take night photos like a pro in no time at all.
