Photographing Light at Night

Night Life Night Photography Fireworks Lunar Eclipse Moon Snow Sunset

Man made light has served as the subject of many creative and colorful night pictures.

Night light photography ranges from realistic city scapes to abtract curves or lines like that shown in the above picture.

The use of a tripod, willingness to experiment with extended shutter speed settings (one second or more), and patience are the only tools a photographer needs to produce some remarkable night scenes.

The above picture, for example, was taken near the side of a dark road. The lens was focused on the background light and shutter speed was set at one second, allowing the lights from an oncoming car to be photographed while keeping a dark background.

Focusing the camera at a point along an intersection where cars turn, allows for the capture of curved lights.

It is important to have patience for night light photography, because you often need to take dozens of pictures to find one with an acceptable light pattern.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels