The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

Photography 101: Interesting subjects at night

By

My photography instructor told me that shooting a photo at night is really no different than shooting a photo during the day.  She’s right of course.

However, she also pointed out that subjects can take on a completely different feel at night.

An incredible scene during the day can be incredible in a whole new way at night.  Something that appears to be simple during the day may take on a new complexity and mood at night.

Here I share a few ideas for finding interesting subjects to inspire you to practice night photography.  Remember what you learned previously about light and color, and consider how they affect these subjects.

5 ideas for interesting subjects at night

Buildings

Great lines, textures, interesting shadows, and color from a variety of light sources make buildings a great subject matter to experiment with night photography.

Bridges and water reflections

Bridges provide so many options.  You can capture the whole bridge from a variety of angles to present a unique view people may not usually see.  Or you can zoom in and capture details and patterns in the architectural design.

Maybe this is a personal preference, but I think that water reflections are much more powerful in night photography.

Industrial

Capture a landscape to show a different perspective of an industrial spot without people.  It could be a factory, an electrical station, a construction area.  The metal and glass pick up light and can reflect color.  There is also something about an empty industrial site at night that I find intriguing.  These areas are also great for getting close-up detailed shots.

Around your home

Try to see your home in a new way.  Grab your camera and tripod and wander around your neighborhood.  Notice the way street lights create shadows, depth, and texture.  Notice how the temperature of the light creates a different mood.

Gritty

Something that just looks dirty or run-down in daylight can look beautiful and artistic under the cover of night.

(Who am I kidding?  I find this graffiti-covered abandoned building beautiful and artistic during the day too.)

 

Comments

  4. The rougher elements of our world do better under the cover of darkness, but this photography takes it to a whole new level … excellent pics!

Shares