Night Photography

[Squawk1066]

As the days are getting shorter and I'm learning more about my camera I thought I should give night photography a try, I find it quite a challenge but also fun and rewarding. It would be good to see other peoples efforts. Here's one of mine from my first attempt, to start things off.

[Squawk1066]

Fantastic contributions so far, cheers everyone

Robert C what was it like in London from a safety point of view? I'm not far from there but I am wary of lugging my kit around at night on my own.

Here's one from Historic Rochester that I took last Wednesday evening. Luckily the river was quite calm, helping with the reflections.

ETA- No matter what I tried I couldn't get the pesky neon sign above the castle entrance in focus.

[Squawk1066]

Squawk1066 said:

ETA- No matter what I tried I couldn't get the pesky neon sign above the castle entrance in focus.

Looks to me more like an overexposure issue due to the very bright neon sign compared to the rest, especially if it's quite a long exposure to start with.

Thanks. Are you saying it's impossible to get that properly in the shot?

I am off to Greenwich again later, hoping for some good shots and decent light.

[Squawk1066]

DavidY said:

I'm not Robert C, but took some photos in the same area earlier in the year. If you stay in the 'tourist' areas then safety will be fine, you will be one of many photographers!!!
Mr Perceptive X100, on Flickr

Thanks David, I am setting off shortly to explore some of London and I hope to capture the blue light. Can someone recommend a setting for the blue hour please?

[Squawk1066]

Here's one of mine from last night in Greenwich Park. I must admit I really struggled last night because I am more comfortable with the objects being nearer to me when I am taking photographs, if that makes sense.

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ChipsAndCheese said:

If you're happy to take some comments, looking at the Exif info for the photos you've posted, I would say that you might want to try some longer exposure stuff (in shutter priority) at a lower ISO, as your images are a bit dark. A longer exposure shot would allow you to capture more low-light detail and make your images a bit brighter. Are you shooting hand-held or on a tripod? A tripod is definitely recommended for night time photography, even if it's just something small like a gorillapod.

Very happy to ChipsAndCheese, thank you. I took your advice on board last night when I went to London. I must say I am very pleased with the results, however they need some marks editing out before I post them as the long exposure has (sadly) highlighted dust on the sensor. I look forward to your comments on the new photos when I post them.

I have a tripod, it's not very sturdy though so it drops down a fraction at times, I am now on the look out for a decent tripod.

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DavidY said:

Squawk1066, what were your camera settings, to me two things stand out

1) The image is very dark, a longer exposure would help here (you need a tripod if you were not using one)
2) The horizon is leaning a little (one of things I'm most guilty of!!)

Not very good, I usually spend time changing them but I got chatting to a rather lovely lady. (This is my excuse) So I ran out of adjustment time.

1) Noted and used last night with much better results, photos coming soon.
2) Damn tripod drops slightly, I am going to buy a proper one.

Thanks for the tips

[Squawk1066]

droopsnoot said:

Some lovely stuff being posted here - I must get out over the next few months and try some things out.

OP, don't discount charity shops and car boot sales (though possibly not in winter) for tripods, I got a nice adjustable tripod with two spirit levels for a pound from our local one. Don't forget to check that if it's a quick-release one (as opposed to having the captive screw) that the mount comes with it - most of the ones I see don't have that bit and they can be very difficult to get.

Do you think I will be able to get one with a metal top from a charity shop?

[Squawk1066]

I already have a tripod so a head replacement would be greats as it's the head that wilts under the weight of the camera. Where did you buy it from?

[Squawk1066]

One of mine from my trip to London on Tuesday evening. Thanks for the tips with regards to my camera settings, I am pleased with the results. Sadly the long exposure has highlighted some dust on the sensor.

[Squawk1066]

First time I have had 'bother' tonight and what made it more entertaining is the kind police didn't seemed bothered by me taking photos of a certain popular arena in London, however- Quote of the year from some jobs worth security guard tonight- "You can only take photos with the camera off the tripod, as the tripod is professional equipment'. So you can rock up with a expensive camera and a cheap tripod but the tripod somehow makes it professional. Okay.

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mybrainhurts said:

If you squint...

It's a letter, possibly H...

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Excellent work as always Lloyd, the bar has been well and truly raised.

[Squawk1066]

I am really enjoying seeing all the photos on this thread.

While I have a debate with myself about heading into London tonight to brave the cold again, here's a different one from last Saturday night.


Taken near London Bridge.

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I'm hoping to catch some fast jets tomorrow and Thursday evening, I doubt it will be easy but if I do manage to get a reasonable photo I will post it here chaps.

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RAF Coningsby last week, I couldn't get a clear shot of the Typhoons on the ASP because of all the AWACS clutter in the way. I am pleased with this one though.

[Squawk1066]

I've recently upgraded my camera and editing software. I used to have a 10 year old Sony DSLR and edit in Windows, now i have a Canon 700d and Lightroom. I thought I would give this thread a bump with this recent shot. I'm really pleased with how my photography has progressed. Any tips always welcome.