SLR night scene shooting techniques

1. Seize the golden hour

In fact, I really like to shoot night scenes before nightfall. At this time, the lanterns were starting to come on, the sunset had just faded, and the color of the sky was not black, but with a faint afterglow of colorful clouds. At this time, the nightlife in the city had already begun, and the crowds were surging, making it very lively.

The advantage of shooting at this time is that the color layering of the picture is strong and the colors are gorgeous, but the night view of the city is also very appropriately outlined and very beautiful.

At this time, the sky is basically 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.

2. Tripod, shutter release, low ISO

Needless to say, you generally need a good camera position and long exposure to shoot night scenes, so these two things are the most basic. Yes. With the support of these two things, you don’t need to use high ISO. After all, low ISO has better quality.

3. Use RAW

I saw a question on Zhihu a few days ago, to the effect that what is the biggest advantage of RAW compared to direct output? If you want me to answer, the specifics When it comes to night scene photography, three words: white balance.

RAW’s adjustment of white balance is basically lossless, which is even more obvious in night scenes. When you look at 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 of the picture.

There are many reasons, mainly two points: First, the light at night is not strong enough to support all things in the world to show their respective color differences. Secondly, because of the use of long exposure, relatively fixed colors will be continuously strengthened. For example, the color of the sky. On the contrary, the surging crowds are moving and stay in the picture for a short time, so the impact on the color is weaker than that of the sky.

After understanding the above, you will realize how necessary it is to use RAW mode when shooting night scenes. It is no exaggeration to say that it can turn one picture into N pictures. Specifically, you can try it yourself.

4. Choose the camera position well

Here I will introduce some classic camera positions that I often use:

1. Overpass

Why choose an overpass? I believe some people have guessed it. Overpasses can make good use of traffic flow, and the light created by the traffic flow is exactly what we need. The light of the traffic flow can form a natural extension line and enhance the picture. Color, such as yellow car lights, red car lights, etc.

2. Waterside

If you live by the Yangtze River, if your home is by the West Lake, congratulations, your starting point for night scene photography is a little higher than others. I won’t go into detail on this point. In short, it is to use the reflection of water to create a dreamy night scene. The advantages of the water surface are: first, it can create symmetrical beauty. Second, it can enhance the overall brightness and color richness of the picture.

3. Sidewalk

Some people say that night scenes can be taken on the sidewalk? Well, it’s really good.

On the sidewalk (not too crowded), set up a tripod, meter the night scene, and let people walk around the lens. The final effect is that the "flow of people" complements the night scene. But this is a bit difficult, especially if you have to be thick-skinned.

5. Creative ways of playing

There are too many to introduce.

1. Light painting

Everyone knows this. , I won’t go into details. It’s easy to get good results, but hard to get good results!

2. Zoom photography

Everyone should have done this a lot, choosing the right camera position is the key,

3. Focus tracking photography

It is difficult to focus on night scenes. First, the shutter time cannot be too long, second, the focus must be rapid, and third, the body must be stable. In fact, there are requirements for both the camera body and the photographer. As for the camera body, it has a good sense of height, a powerful focusing system, and the photographer must have solid basic skills.

6. Large aperture, small aperture

A large aperture can give you a dreamy bokeh, while a small aperture can give you a longer exposure time and star-like light. Depending on your You need to choose aperture.

Large aperture

Of course, you can also make heart-shaped aperture, diamond-shaped aperture, etc.

Heart-shaped aperture