NOCTOGRAPHY - a waiting game!

Here is my first helpful post to do with photography, in the shape of Noctography!
         Now for anyone who doesn't know or is unclear as to what noctography is, its simpler than it sounds. Noctography is merely the art of photography at night, be it light trails, star trails, constellation shooting or anything else, noctography can be any images taken after the sun sets. Now although it is not entirely necessary, I recommend a sturdy tripod before attempting to achieve impressive night time shots. Tripods allow your preferred height, angle and orientation of your camera. (Whereas resting your cherished DSLR on a dirty old wall or floor wont quite do this.)
         So whats first? Well this depends on what your planning to shoot. Lets say your going out to grab some star trails to impress (or confuse) your non-photographically inclined friends. Check the weather! An overcast night is the sky photographers nightmare, trust me. Plan ahead before you leave your home, because a wasted trip on a cold night that yields no results can put someone off noctography forever! Now, lets say your going to shoot light trails from cars, plan some key spots to head to so your not just wandering on a random path with no destination. The best planning of all is to visualise the photo you are aiming for in your head, then go out and utilize all of your time trying to get this image. If you bring back nothing but this result you will be happy with the trip, promise!
          Next? Grab your equipment and get shooting! what else is there to do? Go to your pre-planned spots, set up, do a few test shots then settle down and enjoy the relaxing art of making beautiful images.
          This isnt a guide to noctography, more of an insight as to what it is, please keep updated to this blog for more in-depth tips and tutorials on noctography specifics, mainly star trails and light painting!

TIPS - Long shutter speeds at night can demonstrate movement very well, for example having a walking person blurred amongst a still background, the Earths rotation (star trails) cars driving (light trails) and the movement of the moon around the Earth.
       - Travel with a friend or partner, long shutter speeds of 10 minutes plus can get boring, some company could make the trip more enjoyable, and if no one is available (or too lazy) to accompany you, take a phone or gaming device ect to pass the time!
       - Wrap up warm! in the UK, usually no matter the time of year, it gets cold at night, and I think we all know that being uncomfortably cold isn't, well, comfortable! Bring a coat, hot drink, gloves, and if your travelling by car, sit in the car occasionally with the heater on. This way you can concentrate completely on the photography in hand.

        Thank you for reading! please comment and share this blog, more views will certainly spur me on to write more advice! Good luck practicing noctography!

TIPS - 

Inspiration

TimeScapes 4K from Tom Lowe on Vimeo.


Now I know this isn't direct photography, but this video to me shows great photographic composition and video's such as this one can be achieved with nearly all DSLR's with timelapse capabilities or with the aid of a timelapse remote. Personally, I believe everyone who views this will enjoy it, so hey! Enjoy!

WELCOME!

Hey, this is my blog for everything photographic! Feel free to post and comment anything relavent, ask questions and share advice! Hopefully this blog will become a mass of imaging knowledge, full of useful tips, tricks and hospitality...