Night Photography Tips and Settings for Total Beginners

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There is something kind of magical about night photography. A scene that looks forgettable when shot during the day can be totally transformed if you shoot it after the sun goes down. Plus, by taking photos at night, you're more likely to get uninterrupted access to places that might be too busy to shoot in the middle of the day.

Since nighttime photography takes a little bit more technical know-how than regular photography, adding it to your online photography portfolio is a great way to make your work stand out from the crowd. These night photography tips will take that portfolio to new heights!

First up, let's talk night sky photography gear.

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What is the Best Camera for Night Photography?

When it comes to choosing the best camera for night shots, the main things you should look for are a high ISO range, a wide dynamic range, and a large sensor. Lots of cameras have these features, so if you're shooting with a quality DSLR, you're probably covered!

When choosing a camera for night photography, look for one with a high ISO range, because taking pictures at night means working with much less ambient light than you're probably used to. You'll most likely be setting your ISO to at least 3200, so even an excellent point and shoot camera probably won't be up to the task.

Wide dynamic range is important for night photography; without it, you'll lose any detail in the shadows of your image. A large sensor will help you capture as much light as possible, too. It's all about avoiding a noisy image! A few awesome cameras for night photography include:

Nikon D750 Full-Frame DSLR: This camera doesn't get noisy at high ISO, which makes night time photography a breeze.

Canon 5D Mark IV: The fine detail that this camera can capture even in low-light situations will make for some really beautiful night photos. If you're looking for the best camera for night sky photography, this might be your pick.

Sony a6500: If you're looking for something a little more compact, the Sony a6500 has a max ISO of 51200 (although images do get super-grainy at those high ISOs), so it's a great choice if you like to travel light. READ MORE