Photography at night

Various types of photography are possible when the nights begin to draw in. Here's our guide to what you can do and what kit you'll need to do it.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Tripod
Aside from your camera, a tripod is the single most essential item in night time photography, when low shutter speeds are in use as hand-held photography is virtually impossible. It's a good idea to find a model that's lightweight and compact enough to carry around with ease, such as Calumet's 7100 tripod (£49.98), which features quick-release head and leg locks for fast set-ups and additional foam padded legs for extra comfort when carrying around. Another good choice is Kenro's HT1410 (£59.50), which also features quick-release locks as well as having a reversible centre column for use during low-level photography. Another type of tripod which can be fixed to various surfaces is the Cullmann Sucker Pod (£13.99) from SRB Griturn. This can be mounted to the side of cars to record moving cars and traffic trails.

Fast lenses
When it comes to lenses, wide angle is the way to go - the faster the the better. An aperture of at least f/2.8 throughout the entire focal length is recommended as available light will be at a minimum. The lens you will need depends on the particular camera you are planning to use, however, Sigma have a good range, designed to fit a wide range of cameras and the 20-40mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical (£649.99) is ideal. Tamron lenses also have a range that can be order to fit most cameras, such a the SP AF28-75mm f/2.8 XDR Di LD Aspherical (IF) (£349.99.)

Flash gun
An additional flash is a useful tool when working outdoors at night, and it's important to find one that's suited to your particular camera. Most flash guns will fit most cameras, but unless it's dedicated it won't work with the camera autoo settings and could result in an incorrect exposure. Fotosense offer a wide range of flash guns from all major manufacturers including Olympus, Canon, Kodak, Panasonic, Nikon, Samsung, Sony and Pentax at competitive prices. Jessops also have a range of their own flash guns that can be ordered with adaptors to suit your particular camera.

Light meter
Night photography can be tricky and your camera's built-in metering system may not be accurate enough to get the correct exposure, which is where a light meter will be useful. The Gossen Starlite (£399.99) is designed especially for digital and is a good all-rounder with an illuminated LCD for readability in low light. also perfect for outdoor photography,featuring a durable water resistant housing. Sekonic's L358 (£199.99) is a slightly a cheaper option which also features illuminated LCD for ease of viewing and is available to purchase from Jacobs.

Remote shutter release.
Also consider adding a Remote shutter release to your kit. A remote control will activate the shutter release without any need for contact with the camera, eliminating the risk of blur caused by camera movement. A variety of Hama remote controls for various cameras are available from Warehouse Express . For a cheaper option try the Shutter Release Bracket from SRB Griturn (from £24.95). Your camera's self-timer can also be used as an alternative, preventing the need for contact at the time of the shutter release.

Camera Trigger
The Shutter-Beam Camera Trigger (£546) from Warehouse Express is a device designed especially for wildlife photography and means you can capture images that would never be possible otherwise. It works by activating your camera's shutter release when movement and sound is detected, meaning you can set up your equipment, leave it for hours at a time and see what has been captured on your return. Try going to a location where there is likely to be a lot of wildlife around and setting some bait to entice the animals to where you want them to be. A shutter release cord is also required to connect the equipment to your particular camera model, a range of which are available at Warehouse Express and cost between £79 and £99.

Filters
A filter is not an essential purpose, but some amazing effects can be created using a starburst filter, such as the 6x filter (from £12) from Kood, available in a range of sizes to fit your lens. Kood also sell polariser lenses (from £10) which are essential for shooting through glass windows. The ePHOTOzine guide to using polarising lenses can be found here. Additionally, some photographers may want to use a UV filter which is left on the lens to protect it from the elements. In harsh weather conditions a lens hood can protect your lens from rain. The Cameramac is the latest in camera protection - a lightweight waterproof cape which protects cameras from rain and dust and comes in a handy carrying pouch.

Camera Bag
A weatherproof camera bag will keep your equipment dry and well protected from the elements, and backpacks are generally easier to carry and more comfortable than any other type of bag. One such backpack is the Tenba Shootout Mini (£55), designed for ultimate carrying comfort and protection when outdoors. The bag also features a front zip pocket which allows instant and easy access to inner compartments. LowePro's Vertex 100 AW (£125), also offers total watertight protection and features heavy duty padding to keep your equipment safe and secure. Both bags have inner compartments separated by Velcro compartments that can be customised to individual needs.

Clothing
Waterproof and warm clothing is essential if you are going to be outdoors during winter for long periods. A waterproof jacket with a hood such as the SuperDru (£200) from outdoor clothing specialists RAB is ideal. Paramo also have a large selection of outdoor clothing for men and women. Wearing a good pair of walking boots is also a good idea, of which a good range can be found at Outdoor Kit.

A hat and gloves may be required if conditions are particularly cold. Layeron gloves (£7), available from Outdoor Designs are warm, yet thin enough for camera operation and a wide range of hats can also be found here including the Meanieush (£15).

Photography Hide
If it's wildlife photography you'll be into this winter, you will need to disguise yourself with a hide, beacuse although it will be dark, nocturnal animals will still be able to see you. Check out the Lightweight Bag Hide (£46.87) from Wildlife Watching Supplies. You can also find tips on wildlife photography here.

Additional items
Depending on where you are planning to go to carry out your photography, a torch might be good idea as some areas will not have the benefit of street lighting. Something such as the Mini Maglite (£17.99) is ideal, and is small enough to to keep in your bag without taking up too much space. For those who prefer to keep their hands free there is also the Petzl Tikka Head Torch (£22.99 from Outdoor Kit), which, once attached, can be forgotten about.

If you are going to be outdoors for a while, a flask of hot tea or coffee may be a good idea, so checkout the Light and Compact 0.5L Stainless Steel Flask (£21.99) from Thermos. It features a push button leak-proof stopper, keeps liquids hot for up to 24 hours and has a 15 year guarantee as well as being made from special lightweight stainless steel that won't weigh you down on your travels. To prevent getting lost while you're out, you might also want to take a compass, such as the Silva Field 7 (£9.25) from Outdoor Kit.

Courses
Last, but not least, if you're new to photography you might want to take a course before returning out. Yellow Melen Workshops run a night time photography course (£95 per person) based in the Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire. The workshop covers everything from multiple flash to long exposures, lasts for approximately four hours is held at various dates throughout the year. Photo-courses.com also run a course to coincide with the Christmas Period called Festive Lights, held in Stratford-Upon-Avon on the 1st Dec, although at £135 per person, this is a slightly more expensive course. Additionally, if you are interested in going further down the route of wildlife photography, night time or otherwise, visit www.wildaboutengland.co.uk

WHAT TO SHOOT

For a general overview of night time photography techniques, click here. Also look at our guide to low light photography which explains the do's and dont's of photography where little light is available.

Fireworks

Possibly the most popular of all the night photography, firework displays are in abundance during the end of October and beginning of November and provide a great opportunity for some lively and colourful imagery. To read the EPZ guide to firework photography, click here.To see gallery images of fireworks uploaded by other readers, click here.

Tripod, Remote Shutter Release, warm clothing.

Fairy lights
Christmas also provides a good chance to capture brights lights both indoors on christmas decorations and outdoors in town centres and Christmas markets. Use slow shutter speeds to achieve a sense of movement and create colourful streams of light.

Useful equipment: Tripod, Light Meter, Starburst filter, Shutter Remote Release, warm clothing.

 

Moving cars and fairground rides

Moving cars and fairground rides are easy to find and can create some stunning streams of lights and patterns when done after dark. Experiment with different shutter speeds to see what effects can be created.

Useful equipment: Tripod, Suction Pod, Monopod, Flashgun, Light Meter, Shutter Remote Release, warm clothing.

 

 

Moon and moonlight

Landscapes need not stop when then sun goes down. Try using the moon as a source of light to produce some dramatic as well as eerie effects. Click here to see the EPZ guide to photographing the moon. A gallery of readers' moon and moonlight shots can be found here .

Useful equipment: Tripod, Telephoto lenses, warm clothing.

Buildings at night
Shooting buildings at night can create a very different feel from the way they would look during daylight. Cityscapes are always a good choice, as are churches. Click here for the EPZ guide to photographing buildings at night.

Useful equipment: Tripod, Flashgun, wide lenses, light meter, torch and filters

 

 

 

 

Night portraits
Outdoor portaits at night may be slightly more tricky than portraits during the day, but the results can be much more effective.

Useful equipment: Tripod, Light Meter, Flashgun, warm clothing.

Wildlife
A whole new world of wildlife emerges after dark. Disguise yourself in a hide and see what turns up!

Useful equipment: Tripod, Camera Trigger, Flashgun, Hide, warm clothing, flask.