Night shots

My latest Pioneer Woman photography post is up now, and if you’ve been holding back from shooting at night, maybe I can encourage you to give it a try.

I probably wouldn’t have tried it myself if not for my love of taking sunset photos. I eventually noticed that, in the Philippines, night invariably came almost right after sunset. It took some getting used to, and it prompted me to try and figure out the reason behind it.

I know, I know. I’m a nerd like that.

The reason is actually quite interesting. It has to do with the distance from the equator, the angle at which the sun sets in relation to the horizon and all that lovely geometrical stuff that I won’t impose on you. What it really boils down to is that near the equator, the sun dips below the horizon more quickly, plunging you into darkness faster. As you move away from the equator, the sun will appear to set slower, thereby delaying the onset of nightfall.

Enthusiastic to share my new knowledge, I attempted to explain it to this little guy.

He just shook is head and muttered something about tourists masquerading as locals.

Obviously, he’s already heard it before.

10 thoughts on “Night shots”

  1. These are really beautiful shots! Are they all with a point and shoot? My camera is 3 years old and I have never been able to get good shots in low light. I just ordered the Canon Powershot SX200 and am excited to discover the wonderful world of image stabilization. I wouldn’t have thought to hope for shots like what you captured here though!

  2. HI! Came on over here via PDub’s blog…LOVE your pics and these Philippines pics are awesome! I love how you also captured the “squatter” areas.

    I can’t believe you use a Point and Shoot…very impressive!

  3. Your pictures are amazing, but just one question – how did you manage to push your ISO up so much and not be overwhelmed with noise? My S3 is awful above 400 and from the reviews I’ve read the S5 does not look much different in that regard! I’ve loved my S3 for almost a year now, but as winter closes in I am becoming more frustrated – I just HATE all that noise! I can take a pretty steady slow shot handheld too (needs must), but I cringe every time I have to push that ISO up – I just know my shot will be ruined! How do you get around it?

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