How to shoot night scenes with SLR?

I have met many novices, thinking that the night scene is when the night falls completely, carrying a camera to shuttle through the streets and high-rise buildings of the city, recording the changes of the city's temperature, traffic and people coming and going. ?

Seize the prime time?

In fact, I really like shooting night scenes when the night comes. At this time, the lights are on, the sunset glow has just faded, and the color of the sky is not black, but with a touch of rosy clouds. At this time, the nightlife of the city has begun, and the crowds are surging and very lively. ?

The advantage of shooting at this time is that the color of the picture is layered and gorgeous, but the night view of the city is also very appropriate and beautiful. ?

At this time, the sky looks completely dark to the naked eye, but because of the long exposure of the camera, you can still see some clouds and the afterglow of the sunset. ?

Second, tripod, cable release, low ISO?

Needless to say, shooting night scenes usually requires good location and long exposure, so these two points are the most basic. With the support of these two things, there is no need to use high ISO. After all, the quality of low ISO is better. ?

Third, use RAW?

A few days ago, I saw a question on the Zhihu, to the effect that what is the biggest advantage of RAW compared with direct shooting? If I have to answer, it is three words: white balance. ?

The adjustment of RAW white balance is basically lossless, which is more obvious at night. When you look at the night scene pictures, you will actually find one thing in common: the main color of the night scene is very obvious and occupies a large proportion in the picture. ?

There are many reasons, mainly two: First, the light is not strong at night. Not enough to support everything in the world to show their own color differences. ? Second, because of the use of long-term exposure, relatively fixed colors will be continuously strengthened. For example, the color of the sky, on the other hand, because the surging crowd is moving and stays in the picture for a short time, the influence on the color is weaker than that of the sky. ?

Knowing this, you will find how necessary it is to shoot night scenes in RAW mode. It is no exaggeration to say that it can turn a picture into n pictures. You can try it yourself. ?

Fourth, choose a good seat

Here I introduce some classic seats that I often use:

1. Overpass

Why choose the overpass? I believe some people have guessed that the overpass can make good use of the traffic flow, and the light created by the traffic flow is exactly what we need. The light of traffic can form a natural extension line, and the other is to enhance the color of the picture, such as yellow light and red light. ?

2. By the water?

If you live near the Yangtze River and your home is near the West Lake, congratulations, you shoot the night scene a little higher than others. I won't say this. In short, I use the reflection of water to create a dreamy night scene. The advantages of water surface are: first, it can create symmetrical beauty. ? Secondly, it can improve the overall brightness and color richness of the picture. ?

3. sidewalks

Some people say that the sidewalk takes a night view? Well, it's really good. ?

On the sidewalk (not too many people), put a tripod on it and measure light at night, so that people can walk around the camera. The final effect is that "people flow" and night scenes complement each other. However, it's a bit difficult, especially if you have a thick skin. ?

Fifth, creative play?

This is too much. Introduce a few:

1. Light painting

Everyone knows this, so I won't say it. The effect is easy, brilliant and difficult! ?

2. Zoom photography

Everyone should play this more, and choosing a good seat is the key.

3. Focus photography?

It is difficult to focus on the night scene. First, the shutter time should not be too long. Second, you can focus quickly. Third, the fuselage should be stable. In fact, there are requirements for the fuselage and the photographer. If the fuselage is good and the focusing system is powerful, the photographer's basic skills should be solid. ?

Sixth, large aperture, small aperture?

A large aperture can have a fantastic Jiao Wai, while a small aperture can obtain a longer exposure time and a star-like spot. Select the aperture as needed. ?

Large aperture

Of course, you can also make a heart-shaped aperture, a diamond aperture and so on. Method as shown in the figure:

Heart aperture