Photography is all about capturing light – and what better way to document it’s presence than in a night time long exposure!
What you want to captureDrama, movement, contrast. Think:
ISOA low ISO means that you can have the shutter open for longer because the film or sensor is less sensitive to light.BUTThe graininess associated with high ISO is more noticeable on larger and darker areas.
Shutter SpeedA slower shutter speed means that you can capture more light and movement.BUTA slow shutter speed can also overexpose the darker areas - however this can create some amazing effects giving night time pictures an eerie daylight aesthetic.
ApertureFor a less ‘grainy’ image you will need a low ISO, and to get more of the picture in focus, a smaller aperture. BUTBe careful, because the smaller the aperture, the longer your shutter speed and exposure will need to be to get the same image!
Then adjust one element at a time to see how the image changes. First the ISO. Reset. Change the aperture. Back to the beginning, then find out what happens when you change the shutter speed instead.
Something like a star trail can require an exposure for at least a couple of hours, so when experimenting with exposure, keep an open mind!
Yes, there is more to night time long exposures than just capturing what is out there – create your own images through light painting. This can be achieved by ‘painting’ with a torch or other incandescent object (more of this to come in later post) in front of the camera or by moving your camera to create the movement.
Do you have night time long exposures in your 365collection? Or maybe you have some more great tips for others to follow? Why not share your thoughts, achievements and ideas in the comments below!
Image credit thanks to andy c, Brenda Ashley and J A Byrdlip