How To Shoot In The Dark

WHY NIGHTTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY.

- Ron Leach

FOR MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS, working with “existing light” means shooting during the day and stashing the gear after the sun drops below the horizon. But if you take that approach you’ll miss out on a whole realm of moods, special effects, and creative possibilities.

Floodlit monuments, shimmering cityscapes, evening street scenes, colorful fountains, and moonlit landscapes all offer the potential for great nighttime images. Even outdoor concerts are transformed by night into special scenes when photographed against a fading evening sky.

All you’ll need to get started is a sturdy tripod, a lens hood to eliminate flare from stray light, and a small flashlight to help you see your camera’s controls in the dark.

The best time to shoot is often immediately after the sun goes down while light is still draining from the sky and subtle shades of purple and orange provide an intriguing backdrop for your shots. Other times, framing your subject against a jet-black sky creates a very dramatic effect.

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