Capturing the Magic of Night: The Charm and Techniques of Traffic Trail Photography | Knowledge #161
Cover photo by やーまん
The trails of light floating in the night cityscape, traffic trails are a captivating photography technique. This unique method is popular among photographers from beginners to experts.
This time, we will focus on the 'Time Blend' technique, which combines twilight landscapes with traffic trails, and explain its methods and enjoyment in detail.
Capturing the Transition from Dusk to Night
In time blend photography, start by capturing the landscape at the moment the sun sets. The soft light just before sunset adds warmth and depth to the scene. Arrive at the location an hour before sunset and use apps like 'PhotoPills' to check the sun's movement, helping you find the ideal composition.
At this point, use a wide-angle lens and set the focus manually. This preparation is key as autofocus may struggle in the dark.
Accurately Capturing Traffic Trails
Next, photograph car lights at night using long exposure. Adjust the shutter speed to match the time it takes for a car to move across the frame. For example, an exposure time of about 13 seconds can smoothly draw continuous lines of light.
Different types of vehicles (buses, trucks, etc.) create trails at various heights, offering diverse results. Take multiple shots and select the best frames during editing.
Creating a Beautiful Image through Editing
After shooting, use editing tools like to complete the time blend. Arrange each frame as a layer and use the auto-align feature to overlay them. Utilize the 'Lighten' mode and layer masks to smoothly blend the landscape and light trails.
Through this editing process, you can combine the beauty of the sunset with the vibrancy of the night into a single photo.
The 'Nightscape Show' photo contest, themed around 'nightscapes', is currently underway. We look forward to your many submissions.
