<h2>There's something special about night-time street photography.</h2>
It can take some extra effort, but shooting street photography at night offers so many exciting possibilities for dramatic lighting and composition. From capturing busy traffic at dusk to quiet midnight streets, night shoots present unique challenges for street photographers.
We asked Minneapolis photographer <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>, who specializes in atmospheric street photography, to share his advice for impactful street photos at night. Here are his tips for great night-time shots—even in cold and stormy weather.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/cars-on-road-between-high-rise-buildings-during-night-time-3602154/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3602154" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3602154/pexels-photo-3602154.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3602154/pexels-photo-3602154.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3602154/pexels-photo-3602154.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Rainy weather can make for great street photography.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/cars-on-road-between-high-rise-buildings-during-night-time-3602154/" data-photo-modal="3602154"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Getting started with night time street photography</h2>
I’m originally from a small farm town where there is little to no light. So when I moved to the city, I immediately became enamored of all the lights the city had to offer.
Capturing still movement at night without blur is very difficult. Having a full frame camera with a prime lens that can stop down to 1.4 really helps in <a href="https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/low-light-photography-tips/">low light situations</a>. It allows you to raise your shutter speed enough to capture human movement without too much blur, so you can run around and shoot handheld.
Another good tip is to use street posts, sides of buildings, and sometimes even trash cans as temporary tripods.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/shallow-focus-photo-of-point-and-shoot-camera-2997852/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2997852" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2997852/pexels-photo-2997852.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2997852/pexels-photo-2997852.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2997852/pexels-photo-2997852.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 A tripod like this one can come in handy for street photography.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/shallow-focus-photo-of-point-and-shoot-camera-2997852/" data-photo-modal="2997852"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
I shoot on a Canon 6D with a Sigma 14-14mm F2.8 and Sigma 35mm F1.4. A <a href="https://shotkit.com/best-wide-angle-lens/">wide angle lens</a> is a must for any street photography, because there is so much depth to capture with tall buildings, skyways, and other objects. The prime lens I use is great for cinematic shots as it allows me to get more personal photos with a shallow depth of field.
If you're shooting somewhere cold, keep in mind that the temperature will probably drop a lot at night. WEAR. GLOVES. And always have a lens cloth on hand because your lens will catch snowflakes like it’s Randy Moss. Also, shooting at 1/60th or higher for a shutter speed is the sweet spot for getting crisp snowflakes.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/lighted-high-rise-buildings-2976579/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2976579" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2976579/pexels-photo-2976579.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2976579/pexels-photo-2976579.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2976579/pexels-photo-2976579.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Elevated vantage points give your photos a dramatic feel.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/lighted-high-rise-buildings-2976579/" data-photo-modal="2976579"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>How to find locations for night time street photography</h2>
I usually start on Google Maps, Street View and 3D view. I look for buildings that either have cool texture, lights, or other creative aspects to them.
I take note of at least three spots I want to go, to then allow the rest for improvisation. This allows me to get creative and look for spots around those areas that I would not have found online.
Once I’m in these spots I like to just follow the light. <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-backlighting-in-photography">Good backlighting</a> is very key in street photography, because it creates dramatic shadows and silhouettes of your subjects in the foreground.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/photo-of-an-old-man-on-sidewalk-3558596/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3558596" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3558596/pexels-photo-3558596.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3558596/pexels-photo-3558596.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3558596/pexels-photo-3558596.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Reflected light on wet pavement helps add drama to this shot.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/photo-of-an-old-man-on-sidewalk-3558596/" data-photo-modal="3558596"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
When it comes to finding high-up spots for elevated shots, it's all trial and error. Some doors to the top are open, and some are secured and locked. So it’s a matter of just scoping out which buildings might have good angles and views.
You can email security of some buildings telling them you’re a photographer and offer them a digital copy or print of the images you capture on their roof, but keep in mind a lot of them will say no.
Once you’re on top, it’s ideal to have a lens wide enough to show more of a human-eye POV that captures the huge scale of the city. You might think the higher the rooftop the better, but some of the best views are actually from the shorter buildings that look up to the taller ones.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/black-high-rise-building-2422591/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2422591" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422591/pexels-photo-2422591.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422591/pexels-photo-2422591.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422591/pexels-photo-2422591.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Finding the best street photo locations can take some exploring.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/black-high-rise-building-2422591/" data-photo-modal="2422591"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Location scouting for street photography in a new city</h2>
Almost every city has popular spots that people gravitate towards to get good photos. Tagged locations on Instagram is a good place to start. You will see how other artists shoot and edit those spots, and this will help you get the creative wheel spinning.
It’s also better to find local photographers who know the area well—they know spots within the city that most tourists don’t go to.
If you find a landmark or location you’re really interested in photographing, start thinking about different ways of shooting it. You can start by walking around these locations in a circle, and give yourself plenty of time to walk around and wait for a good lighting opportunity.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/low-angle-photography-of-high-rise-buildings-3859776/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3859776" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3859776/pexels-photo-3859776.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3859776/pexels-photo-3859776.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3859776/pexels-photo-3859776.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Try shooting from the ground up.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/low-angle-photography-of-high-rise-buildings-3859776/" data-photo-modal="3859776"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Street photography at dusk</h2>
Shooting with the sun still out as it is setting can sometimes give you heavily contrasted images, so having a tripod to do bracketed images can help tremendously. You can get a lot of detail in the shadows and highlights by making these HDR images.
You won’t be able to see it the best with your natural eye, but right after the sun sets over the horizon is a good time to experiment with longer exposures. Your camera will pick up the warm colors of the sky still and the lighting will be more even. Some of the best <a href="https://expertphotography.com/stunning-sunset-photography/">sunset photos</a> I’ve taken have been when I couldn’t even see the sun at all.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/photo-of-man-holding-dslr-camera-walking-on-edge-of-building-overlooking-at-night-2422564/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2422564" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422564/pexels-photo-2422564.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422564/pexels-photo-2422564.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2422564/pexels-photo-2422564.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Bring a friend on your night-time shoot and you can snap some portraits, too.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@josh-hild-1270765">Josh Hild</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/photo-of-man-holding-dslr-camera-walking-on-edge-of-building-overlooking-at-night-2422564/" data-photo-modal="2422564"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Editing tips for night time street photography</h2>
It’s all about the blues and highlights for me. I slide the white balance over to the cool side and change the hues of my blues and highlights to be a little bit more aqua.
I keep a close eye on my black levels on the RGB tone curve, because I see a lot of people soften their blacks and shadows too much where they start to lose detail in their photos. So finding the right amount of “fade,” if any, is important.

Photographer Josh Hild shares his tips for night time street photography with depth and drama. 

How to Shoot Night Street Photography

Level Up Your Street Photography with Night Shots

Night Time

Photography Love

Astrophotography

night

City skyline at night with shimmering water reflections and starry sky.

Skyline of a Modern City with Illuminated Buildings at Night 

Vibrant long exposure of Downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers at night, showcasing the city skyline.

Stunning Night Cityscape of Downtown Los Angeles

Dramatic long exposure of Los Angeles skyline and light trails at night.

Nighttime Los Angeles Cityscape with Light Trails

Long exposure photo of light trails near an illuminated dome at night.

Yellow Light Streaks Illuminating a Dark Road

A serene night view of the Scottish coast with a wooden groyne and starry sky.

Wooden Poles in a Sea at Night 

A beautiful night view of a city with glowing lights under a dark starry sky, perfect for travel and architecture themes.

City Lights during Night Time

Captivating long exposure of Los Angeles skyline with light trails showcasing the vibrant city nightlife.

Stunning Los Angeles Cityscape at Night

Stunning long exposure of Los Angeles downtown skyline with light trails and illuminated skyscrapers.

Los Angeles Downtown Skyline at Night

Vibrant night view of downtown Los Angeles with illuminated skyscrapers and light trails.

Stunning Los Angeles Night Cityscape View

W Georgia St

Stunning long exposure of Los Angeles downtown skyline at night with light trails.

Vibrant Los Angeles Cityscape at Night

Breathtaking view of Dubai's illuminated skyline with iconic skyscrapers at night.

Stunning Dubai Skyline at Night

Stunning long-exposure night shot of Los Angeles skyline with illuminated highways and towering buildings.

Long exposure night shot of Los Angeles cityscape through a chain-link fence with light trails.

Dynamic Los Angeles Cityscape at Night

Illuminated Austin skyline showcasing vibrant skyscrapers against the night sky.

Illuminated Downtown Skyscrapers at Night

Stunning cherry blossoms illuminated at night in Stamford's Cove Island Park.

Night View of Cherry Blossoms in Connecticut Park

A serene night scene with illuminated bungalows reflecting on dark waters, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Illuminated Bungalows on the Coast at Night 

Magical forest night scene with colorful light trails creating a surreal atmosphere.

Long Exposure Photo of Lights in Dark Forest

Capture of a calm night sky full of stars over a rural road in India, highlighting natural beauty.

Starlit Night Sky Over Serene Rural Road

A serene nighttime scene of a forest road under a star-filled sky, offering a peaceful outdoor ambiance.

Starry Night Over a Forest Path

Stunning long exposure capturing the lively Los Angeles skyline at night with light trails and skyscrapers.

A captivating night skyline with neon reflections over water, showcasing modern architecture.

Vibrant Night Cityscape with Neon Lights

Stunning nighttime view of the Jakarta skyline featuring illuminated skyscrapers and a serene urban atmosphere.

Photo of High-Rises During the Night

Captivating steel wool photography showcasing dynamic light trails over an urban riverfront at night.

Night Photography

+27

Night Time

+57

Photography Love

+109

Astrophotography

Popular Night Photography

Night Photography blog posts

Level Up Your Street Photography with Night Shots