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Nikon D3500 Night Photography
Every photographer dreams of capturing stunning shots with the Nikon D3500 at night. However, not everyone gets the desired results due to a lack of technical knowledge.
Now, if you also belong to the group that dreams of capturing those heavenly shots without paying much attention to the lighting around you, we have some convenient tips to help you out.
Recommended tips for Nikon D3500 night photography
Tip 1. Opt for Manual settings
Shooting at night in ‘Auto’ mode may put your camera in confusion and dilemma. Going into Auto mode, your camera cannot rightly figure out the required settings to cater to the low-lit background.
Hence, changing the camera’s settings is always recommended for shooting in manual mode.
Aperture
A broader picture is always advisable when using the Nikon D3500 for night photography. It all depends on the lens quality you are using, but a wider lens is always the right choice when it comes to night photography. That way, you allow as much light as possible into the camera’s lens.
ISO
Similarly, setting the ISO higher would deliver the desired results with your night photography aspirations. For a start, you can make it ISO 800 and then make the changes according to the lighting conditions within the surroundings.
While you do that, you must remember that the higher the ISO, the bigger the noise you will be experiencing in the final shot.
Shutter speed
Shutter speed is also key to achieving the desired night shot with Nikon D3500 night photography. When the surroundings are low-lit, you must use a longer shutter speed, such as 10 seconds or more.
On the other side, increasing the shutter speed by 2 to 10 seconds is highly recommended if it’s completely dark around.
Therefore, you must adjust the shutter speed according to the available lighting and the image effects you choose.
Tip 2. Getting the required accessories
Besides making the proper adjustments and changes to the camera, you must also ensure the right and best camera accessories are available while capturing a night shot. Discussing the list, we must include specific items like a tripod, lens, light reflectors, etc.
Tripod
While capturing a nice shot, the camera may become shaky with a low shutter speed. Hence, a tripod is highly recommended in all such circumstances. Before purchasing a tripod, please check its quality and performance.
Lenses
Picking the right lens for night photography isn’t that tough if you know what you are looking for. You must look for a lens that allows a lot of light to enter the camera. Hence, it is always great to choose a lens with an aperture value of F/1.4 or at least F/2.8.
Go for lenses with broader and longer focal lengths, and you can easily capture those dazzling star trails and the night sky without any hassle.
Tip 3. Using the Bulb mode
Using the bulb mode can help you capture stunning shots with Nikon D3500 night photography. Bulb mode permits your camera to keep the shutter open beyond the general 30-second maximum limit, and this is where you can get the most benefit from your captured shot.
So, whether you want to capture those dramatic start rails or a clear night sky, using a Bulb mode is always a great idea.
Tip 4. Stay cool and calm
Nikon D3500 night photography requires patience and calm. You must carefully evaluate the surroundings before starting a shot.
No one-size-fits-all setting can help you capture the best night shot; hence, you must always test your creativity and play with your skills in the same respect.
Bottom line for Nikon D3500 night photography
Whether you are a beginner or a photography professional, these handy tips can help you get the most out of your Nikon D3500 night photography. Please ensure you use only the highest-quality tools and accessories for the task.
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