Night Photography (or the joys of living in a warm climate)

One of the more enjoyable aspects of living in San Diego is that 70's and sunny in January is not a rarity.  Though this is pleasant during the day, the best part is that warm days often lead to warm-ish nights.  For one interested in exploring night photography, this is beneficial, as you get the warmth of a spring day in other climates, while getting access to the night as early as 5:00, maximizing the time available for these shots.

With these on my side, I made a trip to Balboa Park near downtown San Diego after work on Friday to try and see what sort of sights I could capture.  As it was still early in the evening, there were still a few people around, though far from the daytime crowds.

Sony Alpha 200, 18.0 mm, ISO 200, f 10.0, 5.0 s

 Many holiday lights were still strung out, and as the evening progressed a fog layer rolled in, leading to progressively ethereal photos.

Sony Alpha 200, 18.0 mm, ISO 200, f 10.0, 8.0 s

 Also, for the first time I came across this hedge garden with a Grecian bench lit through the fog by overhead lights.

Sony Alpha 200, 18.0 mm, ISO 200,  f 8.0, 25.0 s

Soon after this, I was completely blanketed in fog.

One of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of nighttime urban photography is the decrease in crowd size while maintaining all the interesting landmarks and architecture.  As a photographer, you have more control over when people will be in your shot, and you don't have to worry so much about a guy with an ice-cream cone walking right in front of you at the perfect moment.  And, with a good tripod under your camera, the lack of light is hardly a problem at all, allowing for the exploration of interesting effects.

Overall, a neat Friday night.