Using a tripod in long-exposure photography is essential to capturing a good image.
Cameras are able to capture images of real-world scenes by capturing light reflected off of objects. If there is plenty of light available, then it's easy to make a clear photograph, because a fast shutter speed can be used. At night, low light levels make it difficult for the camera to capture images clearly. They usually turn out dark and can be blurry from long shutter times. There is a photography technique known as long-exposure night photography for taking better nighttime pictures that requires that a certain set of steps be followed.
Instructions
1. Set up your tripod with attached camera on stable ground or a steady table. In extremely dark conditions, you may want to set up a small light source next to it, such as a flashlight on the ground, so that you can find the camera in the dark. This will prevent you from running into it and either damaging equipment or ruining your shot. Be sure to point the light source away from the composition area of your photo so as not to interfere with the natural lighting present.
2. Compose your shot. This may be difficult if light is extremely low, so it may be helpful to use a small flashlight in the direction of your composition while composing the picture. To compose the picture means to decide what will be included in the photo. Zoom in or out depending on your desired composition.
3. Set the camera controls necessary for night photography. This includes setting your ISO to 100 or the lowest setting. Make sure the camera is set on Aperture-priority mode, designated on most cameras with the symbol "A" or "AV." Aperture, which determines the amount of light let in by the camera, should be set to the lowest denominator your lens will allow.
4. Use your light meter to determine how long the shutter needs to remain open. Light meters provide shutter length in seconds. Set the timer on your cell phone or egg timer accordingly.
5. Use an automatic shutter-release mechanism to control the shutter manually, or set the shutter time on your camera if possible. Making sure the camera is turned on, release the shutter and wait the allotted amount of time. Close the shutter when you are done capturing the shot. Be sure not to touch the camera or tripod while the shutter is open.
Tags: capture images, light source, long shutter, night photography, shot sure, sure camera
