Low light levels make night photography a challenging yet rewarding subject. The best results require specialized equipment, like SLR cameras, tripods, cable releases and flashguns. After sunset, the everyday world is magically transformed, and city buildings, fireworks, thunderstorms and the northern lights all become popular subjects.
We present 60 amazing examples of night photography, photos, created by some hard-working and dedicated photographers. Take a look at their websites and portfolios, and you’ll find some links to how-to articles about night photography at the bottom of the post.
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In the City
Artificial light transforms the urban landscape into a place of magic and mystery.
Loveless Ramblings and Other Cynical Musings
Landscapes
Landscape photographers love the magical light of sunset and twilight. With long shutter speeds and a steady tripod it's even possible to photograph the landscape lit by nothing but moonlight. Toby Keller
Northern Lights
The northern lights are a popular subject for photographers living in the extreme north of Canada, Alaska and Europe. Örvar Atli Þorgeirsson
Storms
Dramatic thunderstorms are captured using slow shutter speeds. Nigel Midwinter
Heavenly Bodies
It's even possible to photograph the stars and the moon with the right equipment. Matthías Ásgeirsson
Fireworks
Another popular subject for night photographers. Matthías Ásgeirsson
Troy Paiva
Troy Paiva specializes in night photography and light-painting techniques. He explores America's abandoned urban landscapes in his latest book "Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration." Troy Paiva
Anthony James
Anthony James has a passion for night photography. Over the years, he has amassed a unique collection of photographic images covering a variety of subjects from different parts of Asia, Europe and Australia. “For me the joy of photography comes from the ability to capture and record a unique slice of space and time that may otherwise be lost forever. A moment perhaps only witnessed by an individual yet shared with the rest of us, albeit imbued with a unique perspective - a window on our world that may remain forever etched into our consciousness.” Anthony James
Last Click
Anthony James
Resources
- PhotoNetCast - Interview with Troy Paiva Troy Paiva is a night photography expert and author of the book “Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration.”
- Troy Paiva - Night Photography Technique
- About.com - Night Photography Step by Step
- Moonlight Sonata - Landscape Imaging by the Light of the Full Moon A night photography by article by Bruce B. Clendenning.
- The Nocturnes - Night photography workshops, exhibits and resources Lots of interesting night photography articles in the resources page.
- Talented Night Photographers
- After Dark: Night Photography Flickr pool