Before You Head Out
Plan your first night shoot with short, practical answers. Read once at home, then pack.
Your first night, in four steps
Pick one scene
A road, a lit building or a dark field within 30 minutes of home.
Check the times
Note sunset, end of civil twilight and moon phase.
Pack the basics
Tripod, charged spare battery, red torch, lens cloth, warm layer.
Start with a preset
Use the starting settings below, then change one value at a time.
Questions we hear most
What settings should I start with for a night photograph?
For city scenes on a tripod, start at ISO 100, f/8 and 10 to 20 seconds, then adjust using the histogram. For stars, start at ISO 1600, f/2.8 and 15 to 20 seconds with a wide lens. Treat both as starting points.
Do I need a tripod?
For exposures longer than about 1/15 second, yes, or a stable substitute such as a wall with a beanbag. Image stabilisation cannot hold a 20-second exposure still.
Why are my night photos noisy?
Usually because of high ISO or underexposure that is brightened later. Use base ISO when the subject is still, expose so the histogram reaches toward the right, and only raise ISO when a short shutter is required, as with pinpoint stars.
How do I focus in the dark?
Switch to manual focus, magnify live view on a bright light or star, and turn the focus ring until the point is smallest. Tape the ring if it tends to move.
What is the 500 rule, and is it reliable?
It divides 500 by the full-frame focal length to estimate the longest shutter before stars trail. It is a rough film-era guide; on modern high-resolution sensors the NPF rule, which accounts for aperture and pixel size, is usually more accurate.
Should I shoot RAW?
Yes, if your camera allows it. RAW files hold more shadow and highlight detail and keep white balance fully adjustable, which helps with mixed street lighting.
When is the best time for city night photos?
Roughly 20 to 40 minutes after sunset, when the sky still holds some colour and its brightness is close to that of the artificial lighting. Exact timing depends on latitude and season.
How do I avoid camera shake with a long exposure?
Use a sturdy tripod with the centre column down, a 2-second timer or remote release, and keep away from vibrating surfaces. Check your manual about switching stabilisation off on a tripod.
Can I do night photography with a phone?
Yes. Night modes combine many short frames, and some phones offer long-exposure or astro modes on a tripod. A small phone clamp and a self-timer make a noticeable difference.
Still unsure? Send us a night note or start with light trails, the most forgiving first subject.