Greetings fellow photographer,

Today’s quick tip comes from these Fundamental Photography Cheat Sheets which are currently 75% off for the launch sale which ends soon.

When taking photos at night, it can be difficult for a digital camera to auto-focus accurately, especially in complete darkness. Here is a helpful trick to overcome this.

Switch to manual focus mode and turn on your camera’s LiveView screen option.

Use Live View options to take the screen to 10x magnification (or more) and manual focus it that way - find an object in the shot and make sure the edges of it are sharp.

Extra tip: Turn off image stabilization for long exposures on a tripod. When it comes to long exposure shots, image stabilization may be your  worst enemy. The problem happens when the IS motor will suddenly detect its own vibrations, causing the tripod to shift and subtly amplify the movements. If you are using a tripod, you do not need image stabilization for long exposures.

Other techniques:

• Focus during the day, then save that focus setting. Some photographers mark their focus ring with a pencil or tape it with gaffer’s tape.
• If photographing the night sky, focus on the moon first as it is usually the brightest object in the sky.
• Have a friend stand in the distance with a flashlight and focus on them. Then have them move out of the way.

For further training on important camera fundamentals and handy cheat sheets you can print out for reference, you may want to check out this launch sale before it is over.

Deal ending soon: PictureCorrect Fundamental Cheat Sheets at 75% Off

Until next time, keep that camera stable and focused at night for crisp shots.