| Photography at night can be used to create | | | | etc to “assist” me in my photo taking. |
| mysterious and amazing photos. The long exposures | | | | 3. Calculating exposure |
| associated with low light can create unique effects | | | | This can be said to be the most challenging part of |
| and unusually sharp photos. And when I say long | | | | photo taking. In manual mode, it can be difficult to |
| exposures I mean exposures lasting from half a | | | | calculate the perfect exposure for the shot. From my |
| second up to even 15 - 30 seconds. Below are | | | | experience, some cameras come with the |
| suggested to be the top 5 essential tips for night | | | | “auto” function which will automatically calculate |
| photography to be successful. | | | | the “perfect” exposure for your photo shot. |
| | | | | Personally, best shots come with practice, with more |
| 1. Use of flash | | | | practice comes experience, and with more experience |
| With insufficient light from the moon, most | | | | come nice and beautiful photography. Take my advice, |
| photographers will supplement the light with hand-held | | | | do it yourself! |
| flashes, a technique known as “painting with | | | | 4. Spares |
| light.” Other more sophisticated ones may also use | | | | Every camera has a protecting case/bag, do not |
| movie lights and torches as additional lights. However, I | | | | forget to bring that along together with you camera. |
| strongly encourage not to use so much flash and | | | | This is to prevent moisture from the night temperature |
| actually try to capture the natural light from the | | | | to permeate your camera. And you do not want that |
| surroundings. | | | | to happen. |
| | | | | Next and most essential spare to bring will be to |
| 2. Equipment | | | | always bring EXTRA BATTERIES! I do believe I do |
| For low light photos, a tripod is very necessary. Be it a | | | | not need to further explain this. EXTRA BATTERIES! |
| normal one or a miniature one, they will save you lots | | | | 5. Safety First |
| of trouble. As mentioned too, a miniature tripod can be | | | | Safety is paramount. There are places in the country |
| very handy because it is typically small enough to fit in | | | | especially in the cities that are very dangerous at night. |
| a pants pocket so it can be taken anywhere. | | | | Remember that if you are going to do the shoot, you |
| For me personally, I will use what is available at that | | | | will have valuable equipment with you. So please be |
| point of time when I want to take a photo. For | | | | aware of your surroundings before deciding on your |
| example, park benches, a trash bin, even the ground, | | | | location. |