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How to Use a Bulb in Night Photos

The bulb facility on most digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras allows you to take extra-long exposures for specific scenes and is one of the most creative -- and under-utilized -- options offered in photography. Getting it right, however, may require much trial-and-error as your initial results are unlikely to be as fruitful as you hope. Nonetheless, when you do get it right, your photos will be the envy of your friends and other photography enthusiasts.

Things You'll Need

Tripod
Remote controller

Instructions

- 1
  Mount your camera securely on a tripod. This will ensure there is no camera shake or movement during the bulb exposure. Attach a remote controller (sold separately) to your camera; this is crucial, as it will allow you to keep the shutter open as long as you need to without having to touch the camera. Using both these accessories will give you the best chance of taking a photo that is sharp or, at least, not blurred.
- 2
  Switch on your camera and set the dial to B. On most DSLRs with the bulb option, it will be clearly labeled alongside the other options. Next, set the aperture, which will determine how much of the scene is in focus -- a narrow aperture of f29 will ensure much of the scene is sharp, while a large aperture of f4 will focus only on the nearest elements in the photo.
- 3
  Hold down the shutter button as you would if you were taking a normal shot, but do not release it. As long as you keep the button depressed, the shutter remains open, recording the scene and, in the case of fireworks or shooting stars, capturing any movement as a continuous element. Alternatively, press the button on a remote controller in the same way you would the shutter button, only releasing it when you want to stop the recording.
- 4
  Watch the elapsed exposure time carefully, to ensure you do not leave the shutter open for too long or too short a period of time. This is important if you are following time guidelines on how to shoot a specific scene such as lightning or fireworks, as you may get only one opportunity to perfect the shot. On most DSLRs, the elapsed exposure time will appear on the LCD panel.
- 5
  Reduce the amount of noise on a photo taken using the bulb option by manipulating your camera settings accordingly. Many DSLRs feature a ''long exposure noise reduction'' option that can be used when taking shots in which the shutter is kept open for extensive periods of time, but you may have to consult your instruction manual to find out how this works on your camera. Reducing noise is important because too much noise (or grain) reduces the quality of an image.

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