Taking images at night is both rewarding and fun; however it comes with its own problems, so here are a few solutions:
- When using an analogue camera use a high film speed (i.e. 800 or 1600)
- When using a digital camera set at the highest ISO rating available
- Use a flash or other light source for example a powerful torch
- Use a very slow shutter speed (often seconds or even minutes)
- As a starting point use the night-time mode, if you have one on your camera
Note: You must be aware of grain (analogue) or noise (digital) when using high ISO ratings. However if taking on black and white film or using the black and white mode on your digital then this can create interesting effects.
If you do not have a fast film:
You can do what is called push development or pushing which means you use your normal film but manually set the camera to a different ISO setting. When you have the film developed tell your lab to push develop the film at that higher setting.
When using a slow shutter speed:
In order to avoid the possibility of camera shake place your camera on a tripod and in order to reduce the chance of camera shake further you could also:
- Compose your image then use the self timer
- Compose your image then use a remote control to trigger the shutter
- Compose your image then use the mirror lock-up function (if you have one) to lock the mirror up out of the way when taking the shot.
Glare from other sources:
Often in our towns and cities there are a number of different light sources which can cause glare if you are not careful. One way to over come this problem is to use a lens hood. If you do not have one then simply wrap a piece of black card around your lens using a little sticky tape to hold in position, ensuring it does not clip the edges of your viewfinder.
White Balance:
When shooting in streets it is difficult to know which setting to use as lighting will be different. However below are some typical scenarios:
- Shop windows and underground lighting are usually fluorescent
- Floodlit buildings, street lamps, interiors of stately homes will usually be tungsten
Capturing light trials from cars:
This type of photography is trial and error however a good starting point (once you have chosen a safe place to set up your tripod) is to set your shutter speed at around 15 seconds with an aperture of F16 (when in town) and increase this to 30 seconds using the same aperture when out of town or fewer streetlights. If you are using digital check the results on your viewing screen and adjust as needed.
Armed with these tips and advice get out there and enjoy a whole new world of photography.
