Secret Tips for Atmospheric Night Street Photography Photos
I went to Brighton earlier this week for a couple of nights. I used to live there back in the mid-2000s. The last time I went there was just before Covid hit planet Earth, so it's been a long time.
I didn't realise it, even though it was the whole reason that I went there, but there are a lot of great street photography compositions to be photographed, not only on the Pier, and the seafront but also in the Laines.
The Laines have a beautiful Old World charm, similar to Rye, whereas the North Laines are more quirky and beatnik in style.
I took both of my Ricoh cameras for the expedition - the GRIII & the GRIIII X. 28 mm and 40 mm lenses respectively. However, for most of the trip, I used the 40 mm GRIII X.
On the first night, I went from the seafront to the Laines. I repeatedly went up and down many of the streets, looking for subjects to shoot, under the mysterious and eerily atmospheric nightlight and shop lights.
To add a bit of extra vibe I also utilised a 1/4 Pro-Mist filter, which adds a very atmospheric glow and halation to any streetlight, or shop light.
Here are some night Street shooting tips:
Utilize Lighting for Dynamic Compositions: Enhance your photos by using uniform street lights as leading lines, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.
Spotlight Subjects with Ambient Light: Capture people under ambient light sources. This technique highlights subjects effectively in a night setting and helps train your eye for the fishing technique.
Embrace Dark Ambience: Don't shy away from dark and moody backgrounds. These can add a sense of mystery and depth to your street photography.
Incorporate Illuminated Elements: Pay attention to illuminated signs and displays and any person standing underneath them. They can serve as focal points or add atmospheric interest to your compositions.
Experiment with Filters for Special Effects: Use mist filters or similar tools to add a soft, glowing effect to lights, mimicking a cinematic feel.
Capture Atmosphere in Alleys: Look for atmospheric alleys, as they can offer intriguing lighting and textures, even without the presence of people.
Seek Out Vibrant Colors: Vibrant colors, especially reds, can draw the eye and make your street photography stand out. Look for subjects or elements in striking colors.
Photograph People in Action: Candid shots of people engaged in activities, like talking on the phone or smoking, can add a cinematic element to your images.
Use Lit Windows as Backdrops: Windows that are brightly lit from within can serve as excellent backdrops for your subjects, creating a contrast between light and shadow.
Find Unique Light Sources: Be on the lookout for unusual light sources, such as reflections or shop logos projected onto surfaces. These elements can create unique and memorable images.
Explore Different Angles and Perspectives: Don't hesitate to take multiple shots from various angles. This practice helps in finding the most compelling composition.
Opt for Portrait Orientation to Simplify: Consider shooting in portrait orientation to focus on your subject more and reduce distracting elements along the frame's edges.
For the exact settings that I used on the night, I shot in Aperture Priority, keeping my aperture at a constant f/2.8. I also used Auto ISO with Minimum Shutter Speed. Which was 1/100 seconds; and my ISO range was 800 - 6400. My autofocus was Auto-area autofocus with the Center Mode. Like I said in the video, I've tested out all of the Ricoh focus modes, and this one definitely works for me. I also used Multi-Segment Metering Mode and Auto White Balance, because I shoot in RAW.
One thing I cannot stress enough is to remain safe when you're out shooting at night. Keep your wits about you. Don't photograph anybody that looks like they mean business. I generally try not to photograph anybody who looks like they could look at me before I take the shot. I try to blend in with the shadows, and so should you.
Go forth and create.