Camera Settings for Night Photography
Shooting at night is uniquely special, however in order to produce your best work you will need to take the time to adapt and learn from the process that comes with it.
In this blog I will be sharing various camera settings for night photography, whilst explaining how to use them.
One of the main aspects to note is that everyone has their own style and way of shooting, therefore even though each of the settings I am going to cover has their benefits and limitations, I suggest trying and testing which method works best for you. Simply put, practice makes perfect, and the numerous amount of factors you will have to consider whilst shooting a scene such as the environment, lighting, choice of lens etc. may point you in a favoured direction as time goes on.
Aperture Priority
The first mode of settings on the list is Aperture Priority, considered to be a favourite among many photographers around the world. To put your camera in this mode, turn the dial at the top of your camera to the letter ‘A’.
Once the camera is setup in this setting, it will then allow you to select a specific aperture. Furthermore, at the same time the camera will automatically choose a shutter speed which matches up in providing adequate exposure levels based on the amount of light as measured from the surrounding location.
This mode of course naturally allows you to place focus on the aperture and therefore depth of field within your images, letting you choose how much light you want entering the scene all while maintaining a high quality image. On a side note, it is also important to set the limits on your Auto ISO settings, making sure it doesn’t rise to a point which blows out all the highlights within the photo. As a rule of thumb, I suggest setting the limits somewhere roughly between ISO 400 - 6400.
Shutter Priority
Next up we have Shutter Priority. In a switch up from the previous mode, this setting will allow you to choose a certain shutter speed all while the camera automatically adjusts the aperture levels to once again balance out the levels of the exposure triangle within the image.
To set your camera up in this mode, turn the dial at the top of your camera to the letter ‘S’ or alternatively ‘TV’, depending on which camera system you shoot with.
This mode is one I suggest using if you want to get creative with your imagery, using a variety of different shutter speeds to your advantage. For example, for techniques such as long exposure and motion blur, this setting allows you to target the amount of such you are aiming for within the image by adjusting the shutter speed.
Naturally, the slower the shutter speed you select the higher amount of effects will be displayed from the shot. This will start off as a notice of trial and error, however by being patient and adjusting to the situation and surroundings settings, then you will become adjusted to the required settings and therefore produce higher quality images throughout time. I suggest setting the shutter speed to approximately 1/200 when shooting at night, then adjust from there depending on what you want out of the image.
Manual Mode
Lastly, we have manual mode. Unlike the others, this mode naturally allows you to have complete control of the settings on your camera. Furthermore, it gives you the licence to experiment and be flexible with your overall exposure levels.
To set your camera in this mode, turn the dial at the top of your camera to the letter ‘M’.
Within Manual Mode you are the sole controller of the three aspects of the exposure triangle, with them being the shutter speed, aperture and ISO. I normally start ISO at a standard rate of 1000, depending on the amount of light available, with the aperture siting around f2 or below. Once again, this will be a case of trial and error and controlling the exposure levels to your specific needs.
In a night photography situation, the shutter speed also plays an important role. As mentioned, starting off with a speed of 1/200 allows for ample wiggle room and a level which can be adjusted on the go, depending on the situation at hand.
The key to manual mode is to ensure each component is balanced in order to gain a suitable exposure, which in turn will provide an all round balance to an image.
For further information regarding shooting at night, I have previously wrote a guide to night photography here.