Photocentric: Capturing Pictures at Night

Night photography can help one create some of the most dynamic images in a portfolio. This type of photography requires a good amount of patience and timing. Using my canon rebel I learned a thing or two regarding the most sucessful way to capture these moments in time. Below are some tips and tricks, to help you capture the high contrast images created by an Earthly night.

1. Use a Tripod (or at least a stable surface to rest your camera). A photographer is nothing without the tools of the trade. For proper night photography a tripod is a necessity. They give you the greatest flexibility in angles and allow your camera to remain steady during longer exposures. The best part is Tripods are relatively cheap. A basic tripod does the trick in most cases, and most cost nothing more then $30 dollars. (I personally own a Targus tripod, which is great because it can extend up to 3 lenghts and is relatively small when no in use)

2. Use longer exposures. They allow lighting to become more dynamic, especially when shooting traffic amongst a crowded city.

3. A Flashlight. This simple tool can light up a scene just enough to help you notice a little more detail behind the lens.

4. Use your imagination and the city around you. If you are shy on tools (flashlight/tripod) make use of what is already out there. Lampposts create excellent ambient lighting, and newspaper boxes make great stable surfaces to use in the absence of a tripod.

5. The time of your photoshoot also has a hugh impact. Some of the best night photographs are created during the Twilight hour, where there is still enough light to see the smaller details in the scene. This hour occurs just after the sun has set.

These 5 simple tips can help lead to Nightime success behind the camera. (Click the images for a more detailed view)