Neon photography has appeared relatively recently. Neon photography is characterized by the use of ultraviolet light as well as custom neon signs. A variety of colors, sizes, and shapes of neon signs can make photographs brighter and more appealing. Late in the evening is the ideal time to shoot because neon light sources are more effective in the dark. Follow my 20 tips for neon photography which will be helpful when shooting your first-night photos.
20 Tips for Neon Photography
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of lighting with neon and take amazing pictures.
Tip 1. Get Information on Neon Photography
Neon photography is one type of street portrait photography in which a neon light source is crucial. The majority of these photos are shot outdoors, however, sometimes photographers can create the lighting within the studio.
Urban neon photography
Photos taken at night have an enchanting appeal and awe. Things that are not noticed during the day, take on different features and have a brand-new appearance. You begin to see familiar urban scenes and objects in a completely different manner. These scenes are revealed due to the absence of night light. Neon city photography is a process that requires the usage of long exposures. In turn, you can use a variety of methods and techniques to create stunning and dramatic photos of various kinds of objects. Additionally, there is no need to be concerned about the changing of light and daylight.
Neon portrait photography
Due to the distinctive look of the megalopolises, this trend is very popular in modern photography. It’s impossible not to organize a photo session in this style of urban living at night when the entire area is lit up with neon lights of various shades. To get a striking neon photograph, photographers set up the lighting in their studios.
Neon sign photography
Since their debut, custom neon signs have caught the attention of ordinary passersby and photographers. It was often referred to as a “living flame” by the initial observers. It is difficult nowadays to locate original neon signs. If you’re interested in taking photos of neon signs take a trip for walks in the evening or go to the cinema with your camera. There are times when you will see the incredible lighting of a shop’s window or the name of a modest cafe in the most unexpected locations.
Tip 2. Shoot at the most suitable Moment.
Choose the best time to take your neon photos with light. If you’re just interested in the signboard, any time will likely work for you. However, if you are looking to take pictures of your surroundings, you should choose Blue Hour. It is 10 minutes after sunset, and fifteen minutes before sunrise. It is possible to see the objects surrounding you in these light conditions. It’s dark enough that neon signs will look fantastic. Complete darkness will be ideal for those cases when you only require signs. Night photography lets you observe textures that aren’t as appealing in the sun.
In these conditions, there will be enough light to ensure that surrounding objects are callable. But, it will be still quite dark and neon signs will look great. In those instances where you only need signs in total darkness, this is ideal.
Tip 3. Explore Deserted and Quiet Places
You don’t need to be focusing on noisy areas if you struggle to concentrate. Instead, search for peaceful spots to take photos of neon lights with no distractions. As neon signs are seen in busy and noisy locations, you should be prepared to deal with such issues. This is an act of the biggest disadvantages to not street photography. What can you do to avoid being taken by pushy and fast people? You can take a bit of time and look for a fascinating neon sign hanging away from the busy and packed streets. You’ll have all the space you require and be free to discover as much as you like.
Tip 4. Photograph Models
You could come up with some fantastic ideas by inviting a model to shoot in the vicinity of the neon lights. For example, you could ask the model to stand beneath a blue sign that says ‘slow down’. To prevent shadows from forming on the face, employ reflectors. If needed, you may also lighten certain areas of the picture during photo editing. Neon portraits are brilliant, original examples of portrait photography. LearTo learns to make incredible headshots and portraits I recommend the course How to Shoot Photographs in Any Location with Frank Doorhof.
Tip 5.Portrait Pro Lightroom Presets
The main feature of photographing from above is the possibility to capture the changing of light and shadow.
Shooting from the bottom could visually elevate the subject or increase its significance. This angle is not recommended for portrait photography using neon. It will result in a comical face and large neck and cheeks.
It is possible to take photographs from the ground if you can breathe life into inanimate objects.
Level shooting is possible by placing the camera close to the subject. This type of view is thought to be natural and neutral.
Tip 6. Profit from Environmental Light
Even the smallest changes in lighting could affect the final image. This is why it’s important to utilize all light sources if you are shooting at dusk or dark. The objects you shoot with should be bright to show less noise in your neon photos. The light should go toward the model’s face and not on their back. This problem can be solved by asking the model to be a little more in the right direction.
Tip 7.Us e Special Lighting
Any size neon sign could be used as a source of light. Even a small banner is perfectly capable of illuminating a model for your neon portrait photography. These could be as simple as “Pizza” or “Open”. You can make amazing artwork by trying different ideas. Use neon lights to enhance the brightness and colors of your night pictures.
Portraits Lighting The Shot
This book can help you create the best lighting for your pictures. READ THE BOOK
Tip 8. Add Suitable Props
Props of different types are recommended to use for photography in neon. For example, it may be the use of a prism. It can give an interesting and subtle effect to your photos if you install a prism in front of the camera. The image you take is positively affected by the light reflected from it. CDs can serve the same reason.
- If you are interested in prism photography I would suggest that you learn more information about the crystal ball technique and the way it can be used for photography using neon.
Tip 9. Shoot RAW to Save Image Data
While many prefer JPEG files, I recommend using RAW files. For one, you can save more photo data and, as a result, get better quality. This format can also make it simpler to edit your images. Because of the neon sign’s different brightness, you will not be permitted to leave out this process. It is vital to modify neon light photos. The size of RAW files is a major drawback. Such photos take up an enormous amount of space on the memory card. It is important to be aware that RAW images need to be converted before being able to take a photo.
Tip 10. Apply Split Toning
This effect is well-known that was widely employed during the days of film. Split Toning is about tinting shadows in black and white images with one color and light areas in another. Make sure that the contrast is appropriate to the color. When you are shooting neon images, you should know the basics of color theory. Don’t forget to consider the intensity of shadows. Remember that light highlights are always white, and desaturated yellow and deep shadows are the darkest and most saturated blue.
Tips 11. Be cautious with filters
Filters aren’t something professional photographers take seriously. However, they can become an indispensable thing when you want to cut down the noise in your photos. It is possible to use the ‘Fade’ tool to smooth the shadows of noisy shadows and create an illusion of a cleaner image. Neon photography uses the “Exposure at the right” technique. The principle behind this trick is to create a picture that is brighter than you want and makes it darker. In the end, you can reduce noise. Do not perform too much editing of photos. The effect should not be noticed.
Tip 12. Study Your Camera
It is important to be aware of the strengths and limitations of the camera. For example, some models create too sharp of an image and others may underexpose it. Some cameras have applications that allow you to control different settings for neon photography, while others are not capable of doing so. For amazing photographs, test your camera and discover as much you can about it.
Below is a list of the top cameras for neon photography.