Taking photos is not as simple as pointing and shooting
. It takes a lot of skill and intuition in order to fully get the type of shot you are looking for. This is more than enough of a reason for an amateur to grow in experience and develop basic techniques.
One of the most difficult things to master in photography is night photography. Not because it's dark, but more so because of the fact that you have bypass the shadows in the dark as well. This makes it really difficult for amateur photographers to get good shots at night.
Here are some basic essentials to consider when photographing at night.
Safety
It is very important to understand your location. You will be handling very expensive and valuable equipment with you. Therefore, you will want to be sure you are not taking shots in bad neighborhoods or too deep in the countryside. You will want to be sure to bring a couple of people with you as a safety precaution.
Spares
Make sure that you have extra spare batteries. Batteries work well and last longer in cold conditions, but you still want to make sure you have an extra set of batteries just in case the camera burns out. You also might want to make sure that the batteries are fully charged before leaving the house. Make sure that you bring a bag for your camera because moisture can permeate the camera.
Other Equipment
The best camera to use at night is one that has manual exposure settings. This would be like a SLR (single lens reflex) camera. Cameras with automatic settings aren't recommended because they are powerful enough to defer the darkness. having a sturdy tripod with rubber legs is a must. This will minimize slippage. You also might want to have a cable release as well so that you will be able to hold the shutter speed open.
Exposure
Longer exposures are needed for black and white photos compared to ordinary light. Color films will produce shifts in color.
Use of Flash
Because the moonlight is not as sufficient for lighting in the dark, it's best to have a hand-held flash, which is also known as "painting with light." Other forms of lighting such as light torches and movie lights are great ways to supplement your lighting at night.
These are the basic essentials for taking pictures at night. The more you practice these techniques, the more you will be proficient in the skill.