Night & Low Light Photography

I am taking a night photography course which professional photographer Rick Wright offers through the Princeton Photography Club. I wanted to learn how to capture star and light trails, and I figured a night, and low light photography course would help me get some handsome experience.

The first class was more of an introduction to the aperture, ISO, shutter speed and proper tripod technique. Not very useful. I've seen many experienced photographers use a tripod, and most of them ignore the tips given by Rick.

The next class was a nighttime field trip around the Princeton University campus. I arrived at the rendezvous point two minutes late ( I checked my iPhone ), and I guess the group has already walked away. I called and texted the instructor, but he did not see my communication until after class. Two hours after class.

After a while, I gave up trying to find the class and did my tour -- with no instruction -- around the campus, taking some images. Here are the results.

Princeton University, Fountain of Freedom, Fountain, Princeton University

Fountain of Freedom outside the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Image © Khürt Williams

My technique was to compose the shot, put the camera on the tripod, pray that the object was in focus -- my cat vision isn't good at night -- set the shutter to bulb and then time my exposures on my iPhone. Inelegant and frustrating. The first three images were out of focus. Timing the exposures would have been easier with my TriggerTrap. But it wasn't working.

The class learned about crossover lighting. This is something I'll have to learn on my own, so I can catch up and get value from the course.

Author: Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale. #nobridge

2 thoughts on “Night & Low Light Photography”

  1. Keep up the good work. Love the composition, and the water looks so silky!

    1. Hi Robin,
      Thanks for the feedback. The image above are not the sort of night photography I wanted to do. Just baby steps for now. I want to do more like this:

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