Any tips for night photos?

Question

I have the Samsung AF Zoom 1050

I don't know much of taking photos, but I would like to take a night photo of our city from the river front.

I have 800 speed film, not sure what is best for this.

I have shaky hands, and this probably is what is causing the lights to blur, or is it the film speed?

any help would be great.

Answer 1

When shooting in low light, you want to ALWAYS have a tripod or it will blur. What kind of camera do you have? With most SLR cameras, you will be able to adjust your shutter speed (the slower the shutter speed, the more light will be let in, but it has to be absolutely still). Some even have a setting for low light/night situations. If your camera is just point and shoot, you'll just have to pray that your camera's automatic setting will help take care of things.

Edit: Hu, love the movement in the first one.

Answer 2

1) A tripod
2) A cable release unless your camera has a 15 second shutter speed.
3) Lens of your choice. I often use a 70-210mm zoom.
4) ISO 200 will be fine.

From the FotoSharp (fotosharp.com) "Day & Night Exposure Guide", Scene # 14 City Skyline In Distance

ISO 100 @ f8 @ 30 seconds
ISO 200 @ f8 @ 15 seconds
ISO 400 @ f8 @ 8 seconds
ISO 800 @ f8 @ 4 seconds

I like ISO 200 because of the quality.

If you use a zoom, you can compose at 70mm and carefully zoom in to 210mm. Just be very smooth so as to not jar the camera.

If you send me your email address I'll send you some examples.

Answer 3

High iso give really crappy pictures, lots of grain. The "I am afraid of books and learning things" answer it to get a point and shoot with "nightshot" ability. Nightshot just holds the shutter open for a longer period of time. You will need a tripod or a place to rest the camera. Yes, this will take many seconds, yes if someone walks in front of the camera you will get blurs. A camera with a high iso will shorten the time, but the picture will have more grain (or noise as the people say) Shoot at sunset. It will look like what you want it to look like. To get a good result, you need an slr and the knowledge to use it.

Answer 4

You need a tripod and the ability to leave your shutter open for about 4 seconds. It's always good to find a place with different colour lights with traffic moving. I think bridges work the best. Also look for reflections. here are some of my night shots.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanharrrison/380439691/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanharrrison/380439699/in/set-72157601438396738/

Answer 5

Tripod!