Photography at Twilight: A Magical Time!

By Deborah Sandidge

(c) Deborah Sandidge

Many photographers pack up their gear right after sunset, however the most magical time to make pictures can be twilight! Patience is key as the sky slowly takes on a vivid shade of blue. Everything looks beautiful during twilight, subject matter can be anything from architecture, to trees, to mountains, nothing is off limits!

Here, I photographed Venice during a very cold and wintery evening. The lights warm up the scene and the pink glow on the background buildings creates a more inviting picture. This image was also photographed in HDR for more dynamic range in the composition, and a finishing touch of Topaz Labs Simplify added a slight painterly touch. Twilight is a visual treat that you can capture with your camera! You'll come away with very expressive photographs. Tips for shooting at twilight...

• Tripod, cable release or camera self timer, low ISO

• Small aperture for starburst effect

• Long exposure to capture streaks of light from passing cars

• HDR for more dynamic range in the scene (image composites)

• Shoot cityscapes during the week for the most office lights and car traffic.

Notes from the Editor: Deb Sandidge teaches at BetterPhoto.com - the biggest and oldest of the photography online schools. Check out her Internet photo classes: Photoshop - Enhancing Digital Images and Creating Works of Art and Digital Infrared Photography.

Comments

[F.Zaman]

Excellent photo

[UGGs Clearance]

This layout is so stellar. How did you manage to make a blog thats as smart as it is sleek? I mean, its like an Aston Martin --smart and sexy at the same time. Ive got to say, the layout alone made me come back to this blog again. But now that Ive read what youve got to say, Ive got to share it with the world!