Photography Assignment #2

*  Night photography - capturing cityscapes *

Night photography is great. And the results can be outstanding. So why are
digital photographers often disappointed?

Be disappointed no longer! Follow the tips here, get some practice in, and
start producing some night time city photography to be proud of!

* Night Photography techniques - the set up *

When taking night time photos of cities, there are a couple of planning tips
you will need to bear in mind before you take any photos:

First, you need a good viewpoint;
And second, you need either a tripod or a solid base to place your camera
on.
The viewpoint - this depends a little on the type of shot you are after. My
preference is for somewhere that is above the ground (a set of steps, for
example), but not always. Sometimes the best shots can be had at ground
level.
You need a tripod or solid base because your camera's shutter will be open
for several seconds, and you need to make sure the camera doesn't move
during those seconds.
If you can't control your camera's shutter speed, set it to "night" mode.


* Night photography - taking the photo *

Once you are set up , you are ready to shoot.
First, check your scene. Is everything in it that you wanted to be in it? If
you are aiming to get streaking car headlights, is there any traffic around?
Once you are happy with things, press the shutter button.
Your self timer will count down. Special Note! - If you are waiting for
something to appear in your scene, you will need to remember that your
shutter speed will have to count down first - time for this.
When the shutter clicks, wait. And wait, and wait . . . until it closes
again. Remember that this will be a few seconds.
Then wait some more. Because of the long exposure digital cameras take
longer than usual to process the photo, so your preview on your camera's LCD
screen may take a while to show up.

* Night photography - what makes a good shot? *

This is just my opinion, but here are a couple of things that I think make a
good night photography shot:
1.Neon lights
2.Streaks of car headlights and tail lights
3.Available light
Find your solid spot (or put your camera onto a tripod), and then take a few
shots. Because neon lights flash you will need the shutter to be open for
some time in order to catch all the flashes.
And for streaks of car headlights and tail lights - find a spot with a lot
of traffic.
Try to get something in the background too - streaks of light on their own
can be a little boring!
Then take your shot.
The available light also has a part to play in making a good night
photography shot.

* Night photography - final tip *

My final tip is very simply this - practice!
You will find that sometimes a 10 second exposure gets the look you are
after. Sometimes you may need up to a minute.
Practice, and you will soon get a feel for what you will need for any given
situation.