If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m a huge fan of night photography. Back in my analog film days, I didn’t have the luxury of shooting in low light.
The film grain at ISO 6400 was quite significant. However, digital cameras have changed the game with their wide dynamic range and improved noise performance.
3 Approaches to Night Shoots
When considering a night shoot, I have three main options:
#1 Light Trails
This approach requires a tripod, remote shutter, or timer.
Long exposures are the best way to minimize noise. Because a longer shutter speed allows more light to enter the camera. This means I can use a lower ISO and a smaller aperture for greater depth of field.
#2 Handheld Shooting
Using a handheld camera gives me greater flexibility to move around. Ideal for capturing beautiful bokeh, close-ups, and shallow depth of field.
If you want to minimize noise, you’ll need to maximize light intake. A prime lens is an excellent choice. Getting closer to light sources like lamp posts, lanterns, and neon signs can also help.
Shutter speed depends on your subject’s movement. If your subject is still, feel free to experiment with the slowest shutter speed you can handle.
According to the reciprocal rule, if you’re using a 50mm lens, the recommended minimum shutter speed is 1/50 to prevent motion blur.
Many modern cameras equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) can provide up to 5 stops of stabilization. That allows you to experiment with shutter speeds as low as 1/15 or 1/6 seconds.
How you hold your camera is important. Practice tucking your elbows close to your body and hold your breath before pressing the shutter button.
#3 Black & White silhouettes
B&W silhouettes evoke a mysterious, cinematic atmosphere. Since the subjects are in motion, I use a large aperture and fast shutter speed to freeze their movement. A high ISO is necessary.
Planning and Execution
Long exposures – select several locations, decide on the composition, set the timer and let the camera do its job. The upside is I can take as many photos as I want without worrying about noise. The successful rate is high.
Handheld shots – it’s easy to capture shots of lanterns and neon signs. However, I would like to focus on human interactions and heartfelt moments. It takes time, observation, and patience.
Silhouettes – Finding a good back-light is essential. The challenge is to tackle sharp focus and freeze their movements. In terms of difficulty, I would rank it between options 1 and 2.
Ultimately, night photography is a fantastic way to capture mood and ambiance. Use neon signs and streetlights to your advantage to beautifully illuminate your subjects.
One piece of advice for beginners is to head out early. Starting your shoot during the blue hour will give you with more light to work with. Last but not the least: Shoot RAW!