I would try out a local floodlit church or something as a first attempt it tends to be a little safer than urban stuff, and gives you a chance to play about with settings etc.

xx

I am going away for a few days next week Laura so will have a quiet seaside town to experiment in.

Now I just need to convince my 'chaperone' to leave a nice warm hotel to come to a churchyard with me....mmmm!

When I shoot at St.Mary's I normally use f22 and about 20 seconds in manual and a tripod is a must for starburst effect, I would deffo recommend having somebody with you for security and so you feel safe and relaxed rather than looking around all the time..

Daisy, I found night photography a bit hit and miss. I usually make sure I have the tripod with me and use manual settings. Not much help I know.

Here's one I did years ago.


Starlight Express by Gary Mercer, on Flickr

I've got a filter for the star light effect.

I cannot offer any help but practise practise practise. But what I will say is take someone with you and I always take a whistle when going out alone.

That is Jols top tip ...... a whistle.

As you know you need a tripod at times. Also Stop the aperture down if you want that star burst effect or open it wide and get those ball light effects. I like to have my aperture wide open and be creative with the bokeh.
Definitely go with someone else.

I am a mile and a bit away from a 16 point starlight filter or effects guys..but thank you for even thinking I might know what you mean.

I am more interested in a '50's diner' sort of look with neon and reflected movement.

What aperture for that guys?

Jols..I have you on emergency speed dial .

Jols..I have you on emergency speed dial .


and I have the whistle.................

It will all depend on your distants, lens and so on. With that look, i personally would also play with the shutter to get movement (people, cars)in the image.

Taken at f5.6 1.3 sec exp

this one at f10 1.3sec both metering mode set to centre weighted