Night photography

[Buzzaro]

You are going to have to have something better than the iPhone. There are plenty of compacts on the market now. Maybe even an off camera flash. Something like the E-P3.

I've got a DSLR, but I'm pretty new to actual photgraphy. I was hoping this wasn't the only answer but perhaps other lighting techniques using what are essentially flashlights. Riding bikes offroad at night makes it tough to carry the proper gear to get really good shots. I'm hoping to improve my ability enough to get shots that are passable for just memories, but nothing like a professional shot.

As for that particular shot, I'm thinking the last thing the riders want is a bright light or flash in their face from straight ahead. They come to that point and see nothing other than your light.You might think about shooting from the side rather than directly ahead, even if it's not exactly the shot you want, just to protect the cyclists' night vision. I would suggest no more than 45 degrees in front of perpendicular.

The problem you're discovering is that you have to have light to take a picture. Placing the light so you get your picture without interfering with the subject's action can be a challenge.

This particular rider, I don't really care what he wants. He will do whatever I want to get the shot. In fact, I made him turn off his lights on the bike and ride down the trail in the dark for 50ft before the shot We've known each other since kindergarten so we make each other do all sorts of silly stuff
But yes, I'm discovering photography is all about the light even when you have good lighting.

A phone camera just will not do for night photography and also most of the point and shoots will not have the controls required.

For night photography you need MANUAL controls Aperture & Shutter, external flash and High ISO settings are not required but are nice additions just like interchangeable lenses.

I do have a point and shoot that wouldn't be too much trouble to carry along on the night rides. I will try that one one of these days.
I didn't take it on the last ride though, I did get another Iphone shot that came out a little better. Well, not really better in terms of quality but kind of cool I thought.