Photog after dark

The world takes on a whole new persona once darkness falls. My fascination with night photography blossomed during my undergraduate years at Illinois State University. Perhaps it was the tranquility of the campus under the cover of night that emboldened me to venture out with my trusty Canon A1 35 mm camera, its weight balanced precariously in one hand as I traversed deserted streets. Embracing my inner nerd, I found myself capturing every tree and rock that adorned the quad.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, a newfound sense of freedom and exploration enveloped me. I discovered the magic of playing with color sensitivity, realizing that the longer I left my shutter open, the more vibrant and saturated the hues became—a phenomenon imperceptible to the naked eye in darkness. My lens gravitated towards reflections dancing in puddles, the intricate interplay of light and shadow cast by streetlamps, and the captivating mirages within storefront windows. It was during a visit to Chicago for a friend's 21st birthday that I became utterly captivated by the city's illuminated skyline.

What intrigues me most is the stark contrast between the perception of photography as seizing fleeting moments and the deliberate, calculated process inherent in night photography. It's not about capturing spontaneous instants; rather, it demands meticulous setup and contemplation. Each shot in the dark requires methodical preparation—positioning the tripod, framing the scene, calculating exposure times, and patiently awaiting the opportune moment to press the shutter.

In any case, I've set a personal goal to immerse myself in more photography this month, and it feels invigorating to once again wield my camera under the cloak of night.