Night Event Photography Tips

These tips cover a range of topics. Follow them, and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and memorable photos of night events.

1. Research the Night Event Photography Location

Are you about to embark on nightclub photography? Or is it a low-key evening book launch or a nighttime market?

The first thing to do is find out as much as possible about the event and location. Questions I often ask myself before venturing out include the following:

• Will there be a place to park my car or bike?
• How safe is the environment?
• Is it a private space or a public area?
• Where are some quick and easy vantage points?
• Where are some unique vantage points?
• What’s the weather forecast?
• When does the sun set? From which angle?
• What kind of lighting will be available?
• How busy will it be?
• Will I know other people there?

Having answers to these questions minimizes surprises. And it helps you prepare for many possible conditions.

2. Use the Best Low Light Photography Lenses

Are you photographing a relaxing night event with plenty of space? Grab all your lenses and use them all!

Most events I photograph at night are crowded and full of energy. I have to change lenses fast, so I stick with a nifty fifty and zoom.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the perfect nifty fifty to start with. The optical quality is really good. You get a fast f/1.8 max aperture, which is beneficial in low light. And it’s an absolute bargain.

3. Invest in a Tripod or Monopod

Not every low-light or night event is at a gig or nightclub. Tripods and monopods are fantastic for art events and concerts in quieter environments.

They’re also a must-have if you want to take sharp fireworks photos. Are you unsure if you’ll need a tripod or monopod for the night? Pack a lightweight, compact monopod that won’t weigh you down.

If you’re on a tight budget, invest in a mini tripod that fits inside your bag and won’t break the bank!

We recommend the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod for night photography. It’s the perfect blend of build quality and affordability. It’s strong and allows for precise adjustments. It’s the best way to get perfect shots at night events.

3. Experiment With Different Low Light Photography Environments

Photographing at night takes practice. Pack a picnic and photograph outside in the late afternoon. Then continue into the evening.

Compare photographs taken in overcast daylight, golden hour, blue hour, and nighttime. And note artificial light sources and whether they enhance your photographs. Then you’ll understand which low-lighting environment suits your photographic style.

4. Use Whatever Light Sources You Can Find

No matter how fancy your gear is, you’ll always need a source of light in your nighttime event photography. Don’t rely only on direct conventional artificial light. Some more interesting examples include the following:

• Bonfires
• Candlelight
• Streetlights
• Fireworks
• Illuminated artwork
• Reflected light on metal and glass
• Lasers
• Fairy lights
• Glow sticks
• Mobile phones
• Screens and monitors
• Other people’s camera flashes

Reflectors are the best way to harness the light you have available. You can use them to reflect light in different directions, giving yourself more lighting options. The Neewer 5-in-1 set is the best around. They’ll transform your night event photography.