Night Masterclass - Top Tips for Night Landscape Photography

Handy Hints to Help You Take Better Night Photos

Focus Using a Torch

To aid with focusing in the dark, shine a powerful torch on your chosen subject. Once your camera gets a focus lock, switch your lens to manual focus so that it doesn’t hunt when you press the shutter button.

Compose Using High ISO

To compose in the dark, change the ISO setting to your most sensitive available then take a test exposure and recompose as required. Remember to lower your ISO setting back to 100-200 once you’re done.

North Star

Take a compass with you and work out the position of the North Star. As the Earth rotates the North Star will appear to stay fixed and the rest of the stars will appear to rotate around it.

Two’s Company

Night photography can be quite spooky so having a friend with you will keep you company and make you feel safe.

Dress Warm

It can get very cold at night particularly when standing around waiting for long exposures, so warm clothing is essential.

Noise Reduction

If your camera has a noise reduction facility, turn it on for your final shot of the evening. Once the main exposure is completed you can pack away your camera while it’s still exposing for the dark frame. When you arrive home it’s exciting to view the completed image for the first time.