A lot of people think that once the sun has gone into hiding, so does the opportunity to take break taking images. Here?s a few hints and tips to help you on your way.
Be Prepared
This is the most important part of night time photography. You should always find the location you want to shoot in advance, it?s not really a good idea to just turn up, then realise you?re struggling to get your focus, and more important, your composition! I usually get to the location in time before it gets dark. Always give yourself enough time to setup, and try a few different compositions. [caption id="attachment_894" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]
Find a Strong Foreground
A good landscape image always has something of interest in the frame. It could be an old tractor, or even a lonely tree, try looking for something that will make your image stand out. As always, remember the rule of thirds, even at night! [caption id="attachment_895" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]
Avoid Light Pollution
The further away you can get from city lights etc, the better your images will turn out. Shooting in pitch black conditions, using longer shutter speeds will bring out more colour, not usually visible to the naked eye. If your unlucky enough to not be able to get away from the light pollution, then it?s not the end of the world, just try to shoot facing away from it. [caption id="attachment_896" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]
Take the right Equipment
The most important things for shooting at night is a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release for the long exposure shots you may take. As always, you should try to shoot landscapes with the widest lens that you own. Ensure that you have plenty of batteries, since shooting in the cold with long exposures can drain your batteries much more than if you were shooting in normal conditions. It?s always handy to bring a torch with you, it can be quite difficult to change batteries in the pitch dark!
Stay tuned for part 2!
Be Prepared
This is the most important part of night time photography. You should always find the location you want to shoot in advance, it?s not really a good idea to just turn up, then realise you?re struggling to get your focus, and more important, your composition! I usually get to the location in time before it gets dark. Always give yourself enough time to setup, and try a few different compositions. [caption id="attachment_894" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]Find a Strong Foreground
A good landscape image always has something of interest in the frame. It could be an old tractor, or even a lonely tree, try looking for something that will make your image stand out. As always, remember the rule of thirds, even at night! [caption id="attachment_895" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]Avoid Light Pollution
The further away you can get from city lights etc, the better your images will turn out. Shooting in pitch black conditions, using longer shutter speeds will bring out more colour, not usually visible to the naked eye. If your unlucky enough to not be able to get away from the light pollution, then it?s not the end of the world, just try to shoot facing away from it. [caption id="attachment_896" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Image from Matt Taylor from blainaphotographicgroup.co.uk[/caption]Take the right Equipment
The most important things for shooting at night is a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release for the long exposure shots you may take. As always, you should try to shoot landscapes with the widest lens that you own. Ensure that you have plenty of batteries, since shooting in the cold with long exposures can drain your batteries much more than if you were shooting in normal conditions. It?s always handy to bring a torch with you, it can be quite difficult to change batteries in the pitch dark!
Stay tuned for part 2!
