It is not easy to practice nature photography at night. To become a professional in this discipline, you will need to be very invested and passionate, although the most important is the investment. It will not be enough to develop incredible photographic skills. You will also need to be patient and have knowledge of the animals you want to photograph.
If you aspire to capture breathtaking images of nature, like the ones you can usually see in magazines, books or documentaries, knowing how these photos were taken is essential. First, of course, you will need to familiarize yourself with the techniques that will help you achieve your goal. Nature photography is a very rewarding discipline, but before that you will have to work very hard to get the shots that stand out.
6 tips to follow
If you have to take nature photos at night, the first thing to remember is that the process is more complicated than during the day. And besides the safety factor, you will need to adjust your camera settings appropriately so that you can produce excellent photos even in the dark. This is the reason why we are giving you these tips, so that you can improve your practice of nature photography at night.
1. Study the animals you want to photograph
Photographing nature at night is not as easy as it sounds. If you do not have knowledge of the behavior of the animal to be photographed, you will certainly end up having a failed photoshoot. Hence the need to learn to decipher the behavior of this animal, its usual places of passage and the places where it generally finds its food.
One of the most effective ways to study the animal to be photographed is to check with an expert photographer or someone who is familiar with the environment in question. Find out how they approach animals, so you’ll know how to get around the area, when you’re ready to venture out on your own. And you can always find out more, just by reading books or doing Google research.
2. Use the right camera to photograph nature at night
There is a wide variety of cameras to choose from, but you will need to choose a device that is practical for capturing images of nature, especially at night. You can opt for a mirrorless or DSLR device. Choose a camera with interchangeable and waterproof lenses. And which also gives you the option of manually using the settings.
If you have an interchangeable lens camera, you will be able to photograph animals at different distances. The main reason why we advise you to choose a waterproof camera is that nature photography is usually done outdoors. If you want your gear to last you longer, it should be able to withstand the elements like water or dust. And to fully control your device, your best bet would be to choose one with manual configuration.
3. Use a reliable tripod for nature photography at night
If you are used to shooting outdoors and it is a discipline that you practice often, then you will not hesitate to choose a tripod of acceptable quality. Do not rely on a tripod with weak feet if you are using your camera with a large or heavier lens such as DZOFilm Vespid. To insure your equipment, the ideal would be to invest in a tripod made of carbon fiber or aluminum. It may cost a bit more but at least you won’t have to worry about your device dropping or the tripod tipping over.
It is also advisable to have a tripod with the legs placed at different angles, so that you can set it up in different ways on the ground. Remember to lock the legs after placing them to make sure the tripod does not move.
4. Take a headlamp for nature photography at night
As you will be moving around at night, having a headlamp with you will be of great help. This will prevent you from tripping over in the dark. And you will be able to take pictures more freely because you will have your hands free, so you can explore the area more easily.
And it will be an equally practical tool for making macro photographs. Better to use a red light headlamp. Not only will it help you take better macro shots, it will also distract the animals less.
5. Do not use the lamp for too long
Taking nature photography at night is not only inconvenient for the photographer but also for nocturnal animals. Using artificial light can frighten these animals and even affect their night vision. Hence the usefulness of using continuous lighting such as an LED torch or a more intermittent light such as a flash, so you will not use it for long.
And it’s even more necessary if you have to photograph a quiet animal, like an owl sitting on a tree branch: you don’t need to take hundreds of photos. Immediately turn off the light, until you have to trigger again or move around or find a better location.
6. Use a remote shutter release for nature photography at night
Being able to control your camera from a distance is an advantage, especially when taking nature photography at night. Hence the importance of using a shutter release button so that your device can be controlled remotely. Besides being able to photograph more easily, this will also be welcome for nocturnal species. You will be able to immortalize them without disturbing them since you will be making the image from a hidden place, without producing movements that could distract them.
Bonus tip: stay safe
As a nature photographer, your top priority, even more important than taking great photos, should be your safety. Think about it before you go to the place where you are going to photograph. Make sure you have the necessary authorizations to be in the natural park you have chosen. And always for safety, it is better to practice nature photography at night in a group.
Conclusion
If nature photography is your passion, then you already have all the necessary tools, with our article, to take a step forward in this discipline and get started in nature photography also at night. Research the area of your interest, learn more about the animals that inhabit it, and go looking for them. It will be a real adventure!
