Outdoor Photography How To

Nailing exposure can be be difficult once the the sun drops below the horizon, and one of the biggest challenges is controlling highlights for proper tonal balance throughout a low-light scene. This quick tutorial from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel describes the necessary in-camera adjustments in barely nine minutes.

The task of controlling highlights can be particularly important when shooting on the street where streetlamps, neon signs, reflections, and brightly lit windows can easily confuse the light meter in your camera. As a result, some intervention on your part is with regard to configuring the camera appropriately is an absolute must.

Today's instructor is a British pro who goes by the handle of Dawley Lad. The subjects of this behind-the scenes episode in Lincoln include the medieval Pottergate Arch, an iconic cathedral, Bishop's Palace, and the 14th century Exchequer Gate—all of which are bathed in some form of artificial illumination that needs to be factored into the exposure.

Dawley explains that one of the biggest hurdles when photographing structures at night is carefully managing these man-made light sources that that are common to iconic sites visited by tourists. It's easy to get things right by following Dawley straightforward tips—otherwise the images you make will likely include blown-out highlights with insufficient detail.

Appropriate camera settings  and metering techniques are absolutely essential, and Dawley demonstrates how to expose for the highlights while retaining detail in illuminated stonework. His method enables you to create a moody, atmospheric effect by also concentrating on shadows. Thoughtful composition is part of the strategy too.

Dawley is shooting with an Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark II mirrorless camera and a 45mm f/1.8 lens. The night is so cold and dreary that he had to force himself to grab his gear, bundle up, and hit the streets. We're lucky that he did, because the result is a collection of great imagery and a bunch of helpful tips.How about taking advantage of everything you learn and trying some nighttime street photography over the coming weekend?

We also suggest paying a visit to the My Photo Journey YouTube channel where there are many more helpful how-videos to be found.

And on a related note, be sure to watch the earlier tutorial we featured with another accomplished pro who walks you through all the exposure basics for capturing detailed photographs of darker-than-normal outdoor subjects.