Light is undoubtedly the single most important element when it comes to photography. Hence the fact that most photographers choose to shoot their subjects in daylight. However, the hidden world of low-light photography that comes to life between dusk and dawn offers photographers an exciting opportunity to capture life after dark. This fascinating genre of photography is often overlooked due to the challenges that arise from shooting after the sun has gone down, but when done right, the creative potential of night-time photography is well worth the effort.
Van Gogh once said, “I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day.” This can certainly be the case with night-time photography where techniques can be used to make electric shots full of atmosphere, life and colour. Nowhere is this truer than in our towns and cities where colourful lights emanate from vehicles, buildings, streetlights, neon signs and even fireworks. Capturing the urban jungle at night helps to convey the energy, soul and dynamism of street scenes that simply may not be so prominent during the day. The darker, more sinister side of the city also comes out to play giving rise to gritty photos that depict the underbelly of our urban landscape.
However, outside of our towns and cities can be just as interesting after dark as a whole new world erupts, creeping out of the shadows. Nocturnal wildlife awakens and starts to come to life allowing us to capture images that simply aren’t possible during daylight hours. Clear skies also offer amazing shots of stars, nebulae, and galaxies illuminating the night sky. Shooting at night allows us to capture images that the human eye simply cannot detect in low-light conditions. It quite literally helps us to see the world in a whole new light.
With this theme we are looking for images that explore the hidden secrets of Life After Dark.
