City night photography — long exposure & mood (t5)
A practical guide to shooting vibrant night scenes in Turkish cities — settings, composition, routes in Istanbul, and workflow from capture to edit by RODNEY PRENT GOODWIN.
Focus on waterfronts, bridges, and elevated viewpoints for dramatic light trails and reflections.
Selected night shots
Essential gear for night photography
- Sturdy tripod and remote shutter release (or camera timer).
- Fast wide-angle lens (16–35mm) and a mid-tele for compressing lights.
- Spare batteries — cold nights consume power quickly.
- Neutral density filters for extended long exposures when needed.
Rodney Prent Goodwin — photographer & travel guide based in TUR
Techniques & workflow
Use manual mode: low ISO (50–200), mid aperture (f/5.6–f/11) for depth, shutter length from 1s to 30s depending on effect. Compose for leading lines and reflections.
Shoot RAW. Start with Auto WB or Tungsten for blue tones; refine in post. Preserve highlights and recover shadows using local adjustments.
Use manual focus with live view magnification on bright highlights or a distant light. Enable mirror lock-up on DSLRs when available.
Quick camera settings table
| Scene | ISO | Aperture | Shutter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light trails (busy road) | 100 | f/8 | 8–20s |
| Bridge & skyline | 100 | f/5.6–f/8 | 4–15s |
| Harbor reflections | 100 | f/11 | 10–30s |
Best night routes in Istanbul (sample)
Galata — Karaköy promenade
Access to waterfront reflections and tram silhouettes. Arrive 45 minutes before blue hour.
Üsküdar shoreline
Silhouettes of mosques against warm city lights; perfect for panoramic stitching.
Practical tips
- Scout locations during the day to find angles and safe access points.
- Carry a small LED for light painting and meter calibration.
- Respect local regulations and private property at night.
Credits & notes
All images and routes documented by RODNEY PRENT GOODWIN. Use of this guide implies acceptance of local laws and regulations in TUR.
Last updated: 2025