Night photography basics: settings and technique
Night photography opens a world of light trails, glowing buildings and stars. Learn the gear and settings to start shooting after dark.
After sunset, cities and landscapes transform. Night photography requires long exposures, stability and careful focus.
Essential gear
- A sturdy tripod
- A remote shutter or the camera’s timer
- A fast lens for handheld shots and stars
- A headlamp with a red light mode
Starting settings on a tripod
- ISO 100 to 400 for city scenes
- Aperture f/8 for sharpness and starburst lights
- Shutter speed from 2 to 30 seconds, depending on light
- Manual focus or autofocus on a bright light, then switch to manual
Handheld at night
Use a fast prime at f/1.4 to f/2, ISO 3200 to 6400 and in-body stabilization. Shutter speeds of 1/15 to 1/30 are possible with a steady hand.
Use blue hour
The best night cityscapes are often shot 20 to 40 minutes after sunset, when the sky is still deep blue rather than black.
White balance
Streetlights are orange. Set white balance around 3500K to 4000K for a cleaner look, or keep warmth for mood.
Check your histogram
Night images look brighter on the camera screen than they really are. Use the histogram to avoid underexposure.
Want to put this tip into practice with pro gear? Rent cameras and lenses in Mérida, or hire us for the shoot. WhatsApp →
