How to Light a Night Fashion Shoot

Existent Light

• Despite the dark sky, taking photos at night in some locations allows you to use the lights that are present. A cityscape is a popular backdrop for a fashion shoot and doesn't require a large amount of setup to make it work. Using the night mode on your camera increases the shutter exposure time, which allows you to capture images of the fashions and the models without using any artificial lights. Putting your camera on a tripod eliminates camera shake by the user during the longer exposures, but you may get blur on your images if your models are moving. Embrace this movement. It doesn't have to be a flaw.

Flash

• The flash on your camera is designed to provide a quick hit of light in dark areas, which allows you to take fashion photos in dark environments. Using your flash lets you match the style of clothing to the environment. For a spread on prom fashion, which is an event that typically occurs at night, set your camera to automatic flash mode; the flash will go off when needed. For some backdrops, turning the flash off creates an image that uses streetlights, lamps in windows or headlights to highlight the clothing. Using flash photography to light your photos allows you to shoot them in a variety of locations without having to transport equipment and creates a picture that makes the audience aware of its nighttime background.

Artificial Light

• Artificial lights may be necessary to light a photo shoot that extends into the night hours if the look is supposed to be daytime. They are also good choices for lighting an indoor studio that normally relies on natural light through the windows during a photo session. Using bright lights on tripods combined with reflectors casts varying amounts of light on the fashions being photographed and creates interesting shadow effects. Artificial lighting allows you to schedule a fashion shoot during off-hours.

Tips

• Try a few practice shots using different types of lighting. Review the photos to help you determine if the choice will work for your purposes. Experiment with exposure settings, including leaving the shutter open for several seconds. Have the models move in one set of photos and hold completely still in another to compare the results. Use moving cars in the background for streaks of light through your image. If you are new to lighting at night, a class offers instruction and practice with the techniques needed for a successful photo shoot.