How To Shoot Light Trails

If you have been a photography enthusiast, you will surely know what light trails are.

Light trails are just another variation of long exposure photography where the shutter speed is selected to be slower to allow the exposure go on for a longer period of time. Not only this, it gives you an opportunity to experiment with manual settings of the camera as well as low light imagery.

Light trails can be challenging if you are not really prepared, and by preparation, I mean some basic gear and proper tips on how to go about photographing light trails.

There is no thumb rule on what equipment/photo gear you need. But assuming this as a beginner/ intermediate topic, we suggest you have an entry-level DSLR or an advanced compact camera to do the task. A small but sturdy tripod will also come in handy since hand holding the camera for long shutter speeds is not possible. Other necessary items like a lens hood to block direct incoming light onto the lens, a remote shutter release and some warm clothes if you have decided to step out on a chilly night.

THE BASIC IDEA:

Now the main idea of shooting light trails is to find a place where you will have the most amount of activity, especially with lights which are moving. Light trails will be caused by moving cars, lights at public places like a park with moving rides, highway intersections, roundabouts and cityscapes with roads passing by. Moving light sources will create light streaks which will be registered in the camera as light trails.