1. a camera with bulb & manual settings. (manual focus is also good). tripod. remote switch.

2. read the book(s) on how to do it. (read more than one as the can vary a bit).

3. find out the ‘native’ setting on your camera. i.e. the canon 5d mark 2 is: iso:100 f/8.

4. i shoot in tungsten, fluoro or auto white balance. i use the ‘landscape’ setting all the time. (a teacher told me to use the daylight setting….???) you can always change the setting in your software.

5. do watch & listen to others, but know that what works for them may not work for you.

6. urban is very different to night landscape environments. some/many of the rules don’t apply. i.e. change to iso: 800 f/4 etc.

7. full moon is always a good time, as it adds so much (good) light to your subject. also gives that fab glow.

8. find out what works for you. i’ve read some excellent books, but my skills have grown out of my own experience. after a while you get a feel for the length of exposure & iso & f-stops. this can be hit and miss at times, but don’t be a afraid to take the shot.

9. be confident at night. this will help keep you safe. avoid people when you can, as this can add complications/difficulties to your shoot. i.e. i got bailed up one night by a man who wanted to talk & talk…

10. have fun. i take dance music with me and dance around the place to keep warm and limber.

sedge808