Digital Photography Secrets

• Digital Photography Tips Home
• Digital Cameras
• Links

Capturing The Creatures Of The Night – Night Photography

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Night photography is a little more difficult than daytime photography in that you have fewer light sources to use to make sure that the picture is captured properly. You also have the problem of camera shake which will cause your picture to blur. Let us look at a few of these terms in order to understand night photography a little better.

How A Photograph Is Captured

With traditional photography, the film used to create your photograph is coated in a substance which is delicate to light. Once you click the button to take the photograph you’re opening the lens to allow the light to come in. This light and the substance on the film react and, in effect, the photograph is actually burned onto the film.

Day Photography

By using the above explanation, you can say that the lighter the scene is, the shorter the amount of time you need the lens open. The more you leave it open, the more the light will burn the film which will result in your photograph being over-exposed or too white.

Night Photography

Again by using the above explanation on how photographs are captured you can say that the darker the scene is, the longer you need the lens open. This is because it will take longer for the light to burn the film. Your body characteristically shakes and because the lens is open for so long this can cause ‘camera shake’.  This is the same with digital photography, the longer you leave the lens open, the more light is allowed in to make the picture.

Camera Shake

Ever thought you had taken the perfect photograph, only to get it back and it is blurry? This is due to camera shake which is caused by your body shivering while the lens is open when you take the photograph. As you aren’t holding the film steady the light source is moving, burning the film and creating a blurry image. This is easy to fix by using a tripod, which is a must in night photography.

Shutter Release Cables

These cables are necessary if you do not want any camera shake. They attach to the button you use in taking the picture and will ensure that the camera is spotlessly steady when the lens is open, taking care of that nasty blur that will appear in your night photography. Of course, you still have to have the camera steady by using a tripod or setting it down on something which isn’t moving.

Night photography requires a little extra patience, but with your digital camera and the right settings, you can get some great photos.