Photography Information

Take Spectacular Nighttime Photos with your Digital Camera - Part I


Night photographs express a special something that cannot be seen in normal daytime photography. Whether it is a photograph of a moon and starlit sky over a windy deserted beach, the excitement of a downtown cityscape when the lights go on, or just a picture of you and some friends in front of a favorite hangout, nighttime photos, when done right, are sure to attract attention.

However, even for experienced photographers, nighttime photography can be a tricky situation. Photos often look unfocused, blurry, or lacking crucial details, and many may not come out at all. There are some tricks, though, to taking spectacular nighttime photos with your digital camera, tricks that can be explained yet only completely learned through practice.

This first part of a three-part series on nighttime photography will cover tricks not necessarily related to digital camera settings, but tricks nonetheless that can result in better photographs or a more pleasing photo-taking experience.

* Although more expensive digital cameras do not necessarily result in better photos, realize that the cheapest cameras may not be capable of taking great photographs at night. It requires more work, both on your's and the camera's part, to take spectacular shots in very low-light situations. Though you don't have to spend over a thousand dollars for night photography, don't expect too much out of a sub-two hundred-dollar camera, either.

* Especially if you are not completely familiar with your camera's settings to enhance nighttime photography, consider first taking some photographs around dusk, when the sun has not yet completely left the sky. Dusk photos can sometimes be even more dramatic than those taken in the pitch-black sky, as the added light helps illuminate details easily missed in a completely dark environment Check your local newspaper where you are shooting photographs or a website such as http://www.weather.com for sunrise/sunset times, and be ready to shoot around a 20-30 minute window for best results.

* Plan your photos before you shoot! While it is always a good idea to study an area first, this is crucial if you are planning on snapping photographs around dusk! You will not have much time to plan, and if you spend five or ten minutes just getting a perfect angle or framing the perfect shot, the overall lighting will change as the sun slowly sets. And of course, remember when composing your photos that the sun sets in the west.

* Be prepared for the environment. If you're heading out by yourself, especially in a semi-deserted wilderness area, always carry a map so you remember how to get to your home, camp, or hotel. Check the weather before you go and wear a poncho or coat if necessary. Carry a flashlight, or, in the most extreme environments, a flare, to help others find you if you become lost. Also, bring along a WELL-CHARGED cell phone in case of emergency! You're taking photos at night to have fun and create spectacular results. Be prepared for unexpected situations so they don't ruin your experience.

While the results can be outstanding, night photography presents its own unique benefits and hazards. Not just any digital camera will do; lower-end models may not have the capability of taking spectacular shots. Timing is crucial, especially when taking pictures in the brief time between dusk and total darkness. And, the environment and weather can play havoc with your plans. By purchasing the correct equipment, studying the subject area before nighttime falls, and dealing with unexpected situations with the correct nighttime gear, you can be better prepared to take amazing nighttime photos.

Copyright 2004 Andrew Malek.

Andrew Malek is the owner of the MalekTips computer and technology help site at http://www.malektips.com. Visit his digital camera page at http://malektips.com/digital_cameras_help_and_tips.html for more digital photography advice.


MORE RESOURCES:

Amateur photographers to gather in Hastings, Neb., for symposium, sessions ...
The Republic
Several professional photographers will be on hand later this month at a Hastings symposium to help amateurs improve their skills. The Photograph Nebraska Symposium is scheduled for Feb. 24-25 at the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

and more »


Norfolk Eastern Daily Press

Pioneering early photographer from Weybourne, WJJ Bolding, will be celebrated ...
Norfolk Eastern Daily Press
by Alex Hurrell , Reporter Saturday, February 11, 2012 A gifted pioneer who took some of the earliest photographs of north Norfolk people and places will be remembered and celebrated in a talk next week. To send a link to this page to a friend, ...

and more »


CBC.ca

World Press Photo 2011 winners
Washington Post
Winners of the World Press Photo contest, which recognizes excellence in photography, were released Friday. The winners were selected from more than 100000 entries submitted by more than 5200 photographers, according to the World Press Photo ...
Recommended: World Press Photo of the year awarded to Samuel Arandamsnbc.com (blog)
Does The 2011 'Photo Of The Year' Look Familiar?WBUR
'I would really like is for this photo to help the people of Yemen,' says ...New York Daily News
International Business Times
all 449 news articles »


Chicago Tribune

Kodak moments with local photographers
Chicago Tribune
Those cherished moments captured by photographers will no longer be captured with new cameras made by Kodak. Eastman Kodak Co., which filed for bankruptcy in January, announced Thursday it will cease production of digital cameras, pocket video cameras ...
Photography pioneer shoots last frameNew Zealand Herald
Photography Pioneer Kodak Exits Digital Camera BusinessTechzone360
Kodak gives up making camerasAFP
TechNewsWorld -Fox News
all 1,114 news articles »


Islander's Nature Photography a Draw at Northwest Flower & Garden Show
Patch.com
Fine art photographer David Fishman is one of hundreds of exhibitors at the Seattle Northwest Flower & Garden Show, showing from Feb. 8-12. By Kendall Watson and Lara Elizabeth Vyas Fine art photograpaher David Fishman and hundreds of other exhibitors ...

and more »


Vance Fox Photography
Sacramento Bee
Courtesy of Mary Ann Downey Kerrie Kelly's office design, left, captures her client's need for a high-energy workspace. Mary Ann Downey paired raspberry with other red tones for the bedroom above. Mary Ann Downey paired raspberry with other red tones ...

and more »


New York Times (blog)

Mitch Epstein, Tree Stalker
New York Times (blog)
Kathy Ryan, the magazine's photography director, talked to him about the peculiar challenges of his project. Mitch Epstein/Sikkema Jenkins & Company, New YorkSilver Linden, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 2011. More Photographs ยป Trees have long been an ...

and more »


Focus Taiwan News Channel

Swiss office holds photography event to strengthen ties
Taipei Times
Eight photography competition participants received awards from the Trade Office of Swiss Industries (TOSI) in Taipei yesterday in an event organized to foster good ties between Taiwan and Switzerland. The office held the first contest last year and it ...
Swiss trade office announces eight winners of photo contestFocus Taiwan News Channel

all 3 news articles »


ALLEN AFIELD: Learning deer behavior through photography
Morning Sentinel
During that era, though, my real education came from wildlife photography, particularly with deer, black bear and moose. Those shoots taught me plenty. When a photographer sits in a ground blind or tree stand and watches deer, bear or moose for hours ...

and more »


Cagwin Photography expands to Gaffer District
Corning Leader
By Zak Knutson Cagwin Photography and Design will open a new gallery and working studio in the spring at 15 West Market St. in Corning. Kathy Connery and Molly Cagwin opened the first location in Elmira in late 2010. The business shot more than a dozen ...
Local Photographer Expands BusinessWENY-TV

all 2 news articles »

Google News

home | site map | Seashell Photography
© 2006