Analogue After Dark: Useful Tips for Compelling Night Images

Just because the sun has set doesn't mean you need to whip out the flash for great photos. Check if your camera is equipped with Bulb mode. If it does, then you can shoot long exposures!

Credits: satomi

The Bulb function allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you press the shutter button. When you release the button, the shutter closes, and the camera stops taking the picture. Unless you have very steady hands or want to shoot blurs on purpose, always have a tripod ready. For best results, attach a cable release to your camera to avoid even the slightest camera shake. Don't worry if you do not own a tripod, you could prop your camera on any stable surface if you don't have a tripod. Now, here are a few more tips for your nocturnal photo shoot:

Seek the Brightest Lights

The brighter your surroundings are (or if you are standing near a light source), the shorter amount of time you need to keep your camera's shutter open. It applies most especially if you're using a high ISO film of 400 like the Lomography Color Negative 400 and Lomography Color Negative 800.

Credits: myvitaminx, moodification & ck_berlin

Glow In X-pro

Cross-processed slide film produces amazing results during the day. But it also does wonders at nighttime! Depending on different factors (the type of slide film, chemicals, or if your film is fresh or expired), your shots could emit a variety of colour shifts in your final photograph. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Credits: bnjmn & bbijlhout

Keep It Steady

You may have seen nighttime city photographs with vibrant light streaks and wondered how they were made. With your camera set to "Bulb mode", press the shutter button and hold it for a few seconds (this will let all the light in), and then release the button. This takes some experimentation, so have fun shooting at different exposure times!

Credits: hodachrome & bloomchen

Let It Blur

Forget about sharpness and try shooting some soft blurs. In ambient lighting, it can look mysterious and cinematic. You can keep your camera steady and capture your subjects in motion (as you would when capturing light streaks) or just capture the scene instinctively.

Credits: satomi, mont0417 & tomkiddo

Want to learn more about Bulb mode? Check out these articles for more tips and galleries. If you need a new camera to shoot with, drop by our online shop or one of our worldwide gallery stores to see our complete range of cameras, films, and accessories!

2018-11-20 #tutorials #nighttime #low-light #night-photography

Lomography Color Negative 800 ISO 35mm

400 ISO still not fast enough? The Lomography Color Negative 800 35mm film will bring you fantastic results at all lighting conditions.

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