Metering Night Photography?

Question

What should I meter off when taking a picture of a bridge at night? I have tried doing it with a tripod but was on trial by error to get the correct exposure. Is there a rule I have to follow to get it correct the first time?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I am a freelance writer and photographer. Read my article on "How to Take Night Scenes - With or Without a Tripod" on my website. Scroll through the portfolio at the top of my page and you will see it, I wrote it for Connected Photography Magazine.

www.ifreelance.com/pro/24979

Answer 2

Metering will not work. Your best bet is trial and error. Remember the available light will differ depending upon the sky (full moon, no moon, etc.) and the ambient light from other sources (street lights, nearby buildings and cars).

I have found using 25 seconds at f8 gives a good starting off place as you can "bracket" 2 stops over and under and one will come up with a good result.

Keep in mind the ISO you are using as well. Also some cameras (automatic exposure) will limit the exposure time (see your camera manual).

Answer 3

Allow me to remove the confusion. Its really quite simple - IF you can take manual control of your camera.

1) Camera in Manual Mode
2) Attach cable release (unless your camera has a shutter speed setting of 15 seconds or more)
3) Shutter set to "B" or "T" (they mean the same - they allow you to keep the shutter open as long as you want)
4) Camera on tripod
5) Set ISO to 200
6) Compose your photo
7) Set aperture to f8
8) Make a 15 second exposure

Now visit fotosharp.com and order their Day & Night Exposure Guide. You'll find I used Scene 14, City Skyline In Distance for the above example.

Depending on the actual brightness of the bridge you might have to experiment with the shutter speed. If its too light try 10 seconds; if its too dark try 20 seconds. DO NOT change anything else. Leave the ISO and f-stop alone. I learned long ago to never, never change more than one variable at a time.

Answer 4

You are doing it right.

The camera's meter can only suggest a shutter speed/aperture in Manual mode but this is not usually accurate, so trial and error will give you the desired results.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

It really depends on what you want to see in the image. I would try to meter off of what you see in the viewfinder as a 50% gray value. Bracket two F-Stops off of each side and then select the best image to adjust in Photoshop. I am the new Photography expert for www.ehow.com. Check there for articles on how to adjust values in Photoshop.

Answer 7

metering? never thought of it...i bracket bracket bracket. and then i bracket some more...thank gawd for digital i used to spend a fortune on film and developing.

Answer 8

100iso, f8 15-30 secs, or f11 15-3o secs

works for me

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