Have you ever wondered how to take photos at night? Do you have trouble taking photos at night?

You are in the right place. In this blog, I will share my thoughts about mastering the art of night photography. Everything is based on tried-and-true techniques and personal creative experiences. But you will definitely learn how to take photos at night.

Night photography offers an incredible opportunity to capture unique moods, dramatic contrasts, and stunning lightscapes. These are mostly impossible to recreate during the day. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges like low light, motion blur, and tricky exposure settings.

1. Light sources

Night photography has always been related to light.

At night, light becomes your best friend, and often your only subject. Regardless of the location you are in, you always have to look for light sources.

Well, unless you're aiming for night sky photos - but that's a story for another post.

By light sources, I mean you have to look for street lamps, neon signs, and headlights. Sometimes it's not enough because your location is just boring. Then you have to look for details in objects like light switches, single lights in store windows, and other small things.

I always prefer my photos to be more cinematic. To that end, remember to keep the light source behind the subject. Of course, I urge you to experiment and find your own solutions.

2. High ISO myth

A lot depends on the photography gear you have. But not everything.

Technology is advancing and image processing in low lighting conditions is getting better. Therefore, using higher ISO values shouldn't be a problem for you. Don't be afraid of noise. You can de-noise each photo a bit while editing.

Technology is advancing and image processing in tough lighting conditions is getting better. Therefore, using higher ISO values should not be a problem for you. Don't be afraid of noise. You can de-noise each photo a bit while editing.

Importantly, if you want to maintain a fast shutter speed then you will definitely need to raise the ISO value. The values I use on a daily basis range from 800 to as high as 6400. Everything comes together and in this case fast lenses and good light sources will be your best friends.

Note: sometimes a nice night blur is advisable and makes the photo much more interesting.

3. Use a tripod

Sometimes I get the impression that people don't want to use tripods on the street.

And especially at night.

I don't know if they don't know how or they think it's not allowed. But it's worth remembering that it's a good idea to use a tripod at night, not just for long exposures of car lights.

All slower lenses with apertures from f/2.8 and up will thank you for a tripod if, for example, you want to shoot night architecture. Recently I used a dumpster, a bench and some metal box that was hanging on one of the walls of a building. All of these objects served as stabilizers.

If you don't have anything on hand then do this. Keep your elbows pressed against your body, use the viewfinder as a third point of contact and hold your breath as you press the shutter.

4. Equip yourself with a fast prime lens

If you've been following me for a while then you know that I love fast prime lenses.

My photography gear is mostly lenses with an aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.8. But, of course, there are also those with f/1.2 or even f/2.8. And what I can confirm and what should be obvious is the faster the aperture the lower the ISO value.

So how does it work exactly?

Having the right lens is crucial for night photography. A fast prime lens, with an aperture of f/1.8 or even below, will allow more light to hit your sensor. And you definitely want more light coming through your sensor.

Someone wise once said that it is better to invest money in a decent fast lens than in a new camera body. I agree.

5. Choose snow and rain

I know your prefer to stay dry. Trust me.

On the other hand, I prefer this weather because then the city changes dramatically. The snow lying down brightens everything around. And snow falling gives depth and dynamics to the photos.

The water on the streets gives a lot of reflections, which really have the ability to transform any photo. Wet surfaces amplify available light, creating opportunities for amazing night paintings and creative colorful ideas.

Well, and there's a lot more fun!

And if you aim for atmospheric compositions, with glowing highlights and soft shadows then this is your next favorite weather.

How to take photos at night - summary

Night photography is as much about technical skill as it is about embracing the environment and light around you. Whether you’re capturing fast city streets or dark alleys behind office buildings, these tips will help you make the most of the darkness.

So grab your camera, find your light sources, and step into the night. It’s a world full of untold stories waiting to be captured. Have fun!