Night Photography

Minolta Maxxum 9xi, Tokina 80-200mm f-2.8 lens, Fuji Velvia 50, Bogen tripod and ball head.
Multi-segment metering at 2 sec and f-5.6, shot bracketed in 1/2 stops up to 2 stops. Manual exposure mode and manual focus.

Sunrise to sunset are the times many photographers prefer to shoot but a great world of photo opportunities awaits at night time. The best times for night photography is just after sunset. Have a scene in mind and be ready with your camera on a tripod. Watch as the light slowly disappears leaving your subject in a silhouette or as just a simple shape. Exposure can be lengthy going well below 1 sec. Color films are designed for normal light conditions at higher shutter speeds. At longer speeds most color films begin to shift color due to reciprocity failure. You can correct this by adding CC filters but this will not always achieve a good result. Check your brand of film for recommended CC filters. Daylight balanced films show a yellow-red cast when used under tungsten light. You can correct this by using an 80A filter or by using tungsten-balanced film. Determining exposure can be tricky. Buildings and other structures are bright enough for you to take a reading. I highly recommend bracketing your shots in 1/2 stops increments +/- 2 stops to make sure you'll get some good exposures. Start by taking a shot at the meter reading, then take one at 1/2 over then another at 1/2 under.
The moon is another great subject and is best shot in the early evenings and can be a good source of light for land subjects, but don't expect too much color, instead look for shapes and patterns. You can use the Sunny f-16 rule to get proper exposure for the moon. Sunny f-16 is the shutter speed number closest to the film's ISO number at f-16 or any equivalent exposure. If you are using ISO 100 film your exposure would be 1/125 sec at f-16 or any equivalent.
Fireworks are another great photographic subjects at night. Find out when and where the fireworks will occur. Set up the camera on B and leave the shutter open and let the fireworks trace of colors fill your frame.

Recommended reading: The Complete Guide to Night and Low-Light Photography


Book Description
Aimed at photographers who pack away their cameras as soon as light levels fall, this brilliant book shows how, with just a little skill and imagination, even amateurs can produce breathtaking photographs in nighttime or low-light settings. The guide begins with a clear explanation of technical aspects that must be considered, such as the best equipment to use for low-light indoor or nighttime outdoor shots, which color and black-and-white films to choose, how to ensure correct exposure in tricky situations, and details relating to both natural and artificial light. The book then tackles a wide range of themes and lighting situations, presenting specific guidance for shooting low-light landscapes, portraits, buildings, carnivals, fireworks displays, and weather phenomena such as lightning, sunrises, and sunsets.