Photo Challenge: Night Photography

Photographers have always been attracted to night scene images, especially firework displays or the colorful atmospheres of a small town fair. While the task of getting correct exposure seemed daunting to the film photographer, digital cameras and their ability to give us instant feedback have opened the possibility of great night photography to more enthusiasts.

Because of the impact that these night images have on the viewer, most people believe that A) you must have to have special and expensive equipment to capture this type of image or B) you must possess some rare talent reserved for only a select few photographers. The good news is that neither is true.

Night photography uses the same photographic principles as day photography, but with more consideration to exposure length (shutter speed) and light sensitivity (ISO). This includes providing a tripod or stable platform and using either a cable release or the camera's self-timer to help minimize camera movement. When used together correctly, anyone is capable of taking great night images. Night photography is not limited to total-darkness images either. In fact, late dusk or right before sunrise is one of the best times to go outside with your camera equipment.

Setting the Shutter Speed:

Most digital cameras offer a night mode setting that can provide a baseline to help you get started, but this same mode can be limiting when it comes to shutter speed. Since lighting and location vary greatly, the night scene mode may not be the best choice in all situations. Again, it's a great place to start; but for better exposure control, a wide range of shutter speeds is best. You choose them by setting your camera on shutter priority mode (symbol is TV) and selecting a longer exposure. Keep in mind that a slower shutter speed will cause the aperture to stay open longer and allow more light into the camera to create the image. It is very important not to touch the camera or tripod during these long exposures as any movement will appear as a blur in the final image.

Setting the ISO:

Light sensitivity or ISO also plays a big role in night photography because it determines how the camera's digital sensor will capture the image. A lower ISO is best for noise reduction or grain in the final print, but it can be turned up as needed if the image is underexposed. Sometimes the grain in a night shot adds to its overall appeal. It is tempting to open the lens all the way for letting in the most light, but this also creates a shallow depth of field and may render a majority of the print out of focus. You will be more successful adjusting the exposure length or ISO rather than aperture.

If available, I also recommend shooting in RAW. This format is helpful in that you can adjust the exposure compensation later if it is a bit "off." If you don't have this option, you might try bracketing a few shots to see which combination of shutter speed and ISO creates the look you want. Check your camera manual on how to use this feature. One more thing to note is that focusing can be more difficult in low light conditions. If your camera is having trouble with autofocus, turn it off and focus manually on your subject instead. Believe me, this sounds a little more complicated than it really is. But give it a try and I am sure that, like me, you will find that night photography can be quite rewarding. So grab your camera equipment and when the city heads to bed tonight, you head out the door to a whole new world of photographic opportunity.

 Happy Shooting!