Night photography
The first thing - get a tripod. That's essential with any night-time work.
If depends what you are trying to achieve...
Cameras (both digital and film) can only capture a certain range of light to dark. If you have a brightly lit fountain with darkness around then you will never get both the fountain and background in one shot
The best way is this: using the tripod, first set the exposure for the fountain and take a picture (the background will be black). Then, expose for the background and take another shot. You can then combine the two images in Photoshop (or similar).
If you're trying to take a photo of someone at night, but want the sunset (for instance), then you should use a flash. Use "M" mode, and set the exposure for the sunset or scenery. Then, without changing the settings, pop up the flash (or power up the external flash), and take the photo. Even the pop-up flash will be "clever" enough to expose the foreground. However, make sure you use a shutter speed that's slower than 1/150" (which is probable for a sunset or night scene).
Learn about Manual exposure and spot metering (which helps you to judge exactly what will be exposed correctly).
Best thing is to experiment with what you have!
Matt
Have fun!
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37 posts
19 years
Bangalore India
Should one use a flash (FTZ 500). Do throw some light on this.
thanks