Mastering night and low light photography

About this course

The course explores how changing evening light affects exposure and composition. Participants practise long exposures for light trails, photograph buildings against dark skies and develop approaches to shooting in low light. Teaching combines location work, short talks, demonstrations, practical exercises and image-based discussions. The course also covers safe tripod use, photographers’ rights in public spaces, downloading files and basic colour correction in Photoshop. Learners can share images and comments through Google Classroom, with group image critiques forming part of the course.

What you'll learn

• Adjust exposure to produce different lighting effects
• Create light trails using long exposure times
• Choose suitable times to photograph buildings without losing their shape against the sky
• Plan night photography around changing lighting conditions
• Set up a tripod safely and apply safe working practices in public
• Apply basic colour correction to images in Photoshop and explain photographers’ rights when shooting in public

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners developing beyond fundamental camera controls rather than complete beginners. It involves practical work outdoors and indoors, group discussions, demonstrations and image critiques. Participants should be comfortable following written and verbal instructions, handling simple measurements and calculations, and using a computer at a basic level.

• A digital SLR or bridge camera with manual aperture and shutter-speed controls is expected
• Learners are encouraged to complete assignments outside class
• Participation includes location work in London and group image discussions

Before you go

• Learners may bring their own digital camera and tripod, although cameras, lenses and tripods may be borrowed during lesson time.
• An Apple Mac computer is provided for each learner during the course.
• A notebook and pen may be useful for taking notes.
• Google Classroom is used to share comments, download course material and upload images for group critiques.