With the shortest day here and daylight in limited supply, it seems a good time to take a quick look at my experience of after-dark photography.

Taking your camera out at night opens a whole new world of exciting possibilities (and challenges)….

The Eric Morecambe Statue at dusk.

The much photographed Eric Morecambe statue looked effective as a silhouette against the hues of a post-sunset Bay horizon.

Reflections of Morecambe Prom.

Turning my camera inland, I caught this unusual shot of  Morecambe Prom at a still high tide. The stretched reflections, fine colours and off-centre horizon (Remember the one thirds tow thirds horizon rule?), make for a pleasing shot.

Moving to Lancaster and this recent festive shot of Dalton Square (below) took on an eerie appearance on a foggy night. Difficult to photograph at night because the fog confused the camera’s light meter and necessitated a lot of ‘bracketing’ (taking a sequence of shots at differing exposures) to ensure a good shot. A tripod was of course imperative.

For commercial photography, I really like shooting building exteriors at dusk. I feel this works especially well with the inviting warmth of natural lighting for shop windows and pubs etc.

Greaves Park eatery in Lancaster.

Greaves Park’s well lit frontage at dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving to Lancaster and this unusual festive fog picture of Dalton Square made for an interesting and eerie shot. I increased contrast on the bench in the foreground to make it more of a focal point. Fog confuses a camera’s light meter, which is why I ‘bracketed’ a lot (took a sequence of shots at different exposures).

Foggy Dalton Square at night.

An eye-catching picture of a local hairdressers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographing people at night is particularly tricky. Many struggle with what setting to have the camera on and whether or not to use flash. Here’s my suggestions…

 

1. ALWAYS use a tripod, wall or lamp post for a sharp shot.

2. Building/street scene = NO FLASH + long exposure.

3. Person(s) close to camera = USE FILL-IN FLASH + long exposure/camera’s night setting mode.

4. Use the camera’s self-timer for a sharp shot, or to be in the photo yourself!

5. Dusk is usually preferable to total darkness, to allow some light & colour in the sky and less reliance on street lighting.

Night setting + Flash (Palma Cathedral by the way!)

6. Look for reflections in the foreground for added interest.

7. Look out for interesting foreground shadows cast by street lights.

8. A long exposure of several seconds will give strange & interesting results to moving vehicle lights.