Mar 15, 2012

Twilight City Skyline Photography Tips

Magical twilight colors combined with the Boston Skyline and landmarks like the Prudential Center and John Hancock Building have become one of my favorite photographic subjects when I am not occupied with nature photography. I find it amazing when everything comes together in a few minutes and the city lights arise while the sky turns beautifully turquoise. I compiled 15 twilight photo tips that should help you get started in your own personal endeavor of capturing these precious moments ... make sure to embrace photo tip #15 for more beautiful and wow factor nature photography results:

Photo Tip #1: Ensure to bring a fully charged battery and bring a spare or two.

Photo Tip #2: Ensure to have sufficient flash card memory and bring a spare memory card.

Photo Tip #3: For best results check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies.



















Photo Tip #4: Time your Skyline Photography with natural phenomena's like full moon, super moon, or new moon to add more interest to the composition.

Photo Tip #5: Arrive 1/2 hour before sunset to allow for sufficient time to set up and compose a pleasing skyline photography image.

Photo Tip #6: Use a Steady Tripod to compensate for the expected long exposure times.



















Photo Tip #7: Use low ISO settings like ISO25, 50, or 100 to minimize Camera Noise.

Photo Tip #8: Best time to capture twilight photos is 20 to 30 minutes after the sun has set.

Photo Tip #9: Be prepared well because the optimum light does not last long.



















Photo Tip #10: Set up tripod and camera prior to the actual sunset.

Photo Tip #11: Shoot with small apertures (large f-stop numbers like f/11, f/16, or f/22) to maximize Depth of Field.

Photo Tip #12: Shoot in manual mode because auto-focus does not work that well in low light.



















Photo Tip #13: Use the Camera Self Timer, a cable release or remote release to trip the shutter. If not using live view use mirror lock up to minimize camera shake and blurry pictures.

Photo Tip #14: Keep shooting when the twilight sky starts glowing and the city lights are beginning to come alive.

Photo Tip #15: Don't limit yourself to twilight photography of city skylines; use twilight to great effect and advantage in your landscape and seascape Nature Photography.

11 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for your feedback on my twilight skyline photography tips Fernando. I follow these tips more intuitive these days because of the experience I have but the nuts and bolts of night photography should come in handy for everybody ... glad you enjoyed them and found the photo tips useful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great tips! I will be traveling to Saint Louis in October and hope to be at the right place at the right time to capture some twilight skyline images!

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good luck in St. Louis Cindy ... hope you find some great lighting condition. Don't be discouraged if you find cloudy skies ... twilight works well on cloudy days sometimes too ... glad you like the photo tips!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your photos look sharp, crisp, with vibrant colors.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks a ton for your fine comment on my Boston skyline photography images Debby! Now a days I prefer manual focus. A tripod is a must to achieve better image quality ... glad you enjoyed the Beantown twilight skyline pics and photo tips Debby. My best, Juergen

    PS: Hope to get out next week to capture some more amazing skyline photography images ... scouted a great location yesterday while strolling downtown yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great tips! I a just a beginner and this is the practical info i was looking for. Thanks for sharing! Gr Johan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks so much Johan ... you made my evening! Glad you enjoyed the picture and twilight photography tips! Join me on Facebook if you like ... My best, Juergen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Juergen. There isn't a lot of info on skylines and this was a big help. I am also a Boston photographer so it was nice to see your photos in addition to your tips. I found this video helpful by another Boston Photographer too. http://bit.ly/11ccKWf

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks so very much Mike ... interesting video! I am currently working on a skyline photography e-book and hopefully can finish it sometime soon ... glad you enjoyed the tips and Boston skyline photography images from my Cityscape Gallery.

    My best,

    Juergen

    ReplyDelete