The world transforms completely once the sun sets. My fascination with night photography began during my undergrad years at Illinois State University. There was something about the stillness of campus after dark that drew me in, giving me the courage to wander the quiet streets with my Canon A1 35 mm camera in hand. I’d roam the quad, channeling my inner nerd, capturing every tree, shadow or rock that caught my eye.

I became obsessed with playing with color sensitivity, discovering how long exposures could pull out rich, vibrant hues that the naked eye couldn’t perceive in the dark. Reflections in puddles, the interplay of light and shadow from streetlamps, and the ghostly illusions in storefront windows became my obsession. A visit to Chicago for a friend’s 21st birthday sealed the deal—the city’s glowing skyline left me completely mesmerized.

What I love most about night photography is how it defies the typical idea of photography as capturing fleeting moments. It’s not about snapping spontaneous scenes but instead requires careful thought and precision. Every shot demands a meticulous setup: positioning the tripod, framing the scene, calculating exposure times, and waiting patiently for just the right moment to press the shutter.

This month, I’ve made it my mission to dive back into photography, especially at night. There’s something so exhilarating about picking up my camera again and rediscovering the beauty of the world cloaked in darkness.