Discover professional low-light techniques
Overcome the challenges of minimal ambient light and create stunning landscapes, cityscapes and astro images
While low-light photography has been popular for many years, with some of the most iconic images having been shot in nighttime street settings, the sensitivity of imaging media and their ability to detect detail in the lowest of lighting is greater than at any other time in history. this presents tremendous opportunity to create unique images after dark, while maintaining technical and aesthetic quality. astrophotography is developing in popularity at an unprecedented rate, due to availability of affordable, proficient equipment. the attraction is the unique atmosphere created by the reversed contrasts of light and dark – while during the daytime the sky is almost always brighter than the foreground, once the sun has set, the artificially illuminated foreground is often the brightest area. furthermore, as long as exposure and white balance are carefully considered, strong contrasts of colour temperature can generate rich palettes. astrophotography can either be considered a specialist genre, with independent compositional goals, or it can be combined with other forms of photography. as with all niche genres, lowlight and astrophotography have unique challenges. throughout this feature you will learn where problems are most likely to occur, allowing you to adapt your technique for some of the most testing conditions a photographer can experience.