Tipster: Experimenting with Lomo'Instant Cameras at Night

The Lomo'Instant line of cameras offer great ways to experiment and do more with your instant photography, with each model having many of the same features, such as exposure compensation, bulb mode, flash, a tripod mount, and the Splitzer accessory. Despite the relatively narrow aperture settings, with f/8 being the widest option, using these cameras in low light situations and nighttime is still very feasible and fun. Let’s take a look at some techniques to help you get the best out of our line of Lomo'Instant cameras at night.

Bulb and tripod

Despite having a small aperture, one way to work around shooting at night is by using the bulb mode for a longer shutter speed. Most of our cameras have a shutter speed between 1/125th of a second to around 8 seconds with the automatic mode. But for those who want to have more control, you have the bulb mode, which allows you to control how long you want the shutter to be open, with a maximum total time of 30 seconds. If you're confident in keeping the camera steady then you can use bulb mode while handheld but for reliably great results try using a tripod. Playing around with the flash, blub mode and tripod will also give you some incredible effects.

Experimental long exposures

Taking the last tip even further, you can play around with multiple exposures or light painting to get even crazier and unique instant shots. With just a flick of a switch, you can layer and put together your own image using the MX button found in all our instant cameras. Usually, you should shoot a darker image first, followed by a lighter image, so the layering will be more prevalent. You can also use the Splitzer lens attachment to crop out and play around with the positioning of the images.

Another thing you can play around with is the bulb mode and lighting. To achieve light painting all you need is a Lomo'Instant camera, using bulb mode on a tripod in low light conditions, and a friend with you or the external remote. Whether you're using flashlights, glow sticks, light brushes, or even your mobile device, these light sources can be used to make amazing images with light painting.

Flash photography

For any lowlight or nighttime photography, the flash will be your best friend. With all of our Lomo'Instant cameras having a built-in flash there's no reason not to take the camera with you to capture your blurry nights out. One thing you should take note of is the distance you are from the subject, as the flash has a sweet spot in order to get the best results.

The exposure compensation feature on the camera will also be a great tool to get the best exposure out of each instant shot. If your subject is far away then you can always turn up your exposure compensation but again be wary of the distance because the light can only travel so far. The opposite is true if you are shooting a very close-up subject. Remember to lower the exposure compensation in order not to get a totally white exposure.

Another fun idea is to use color gels or cellophane on top of your flash to colorsplash your subjects for more vibrant photos.

Shooting any analogue format at night is tricky. However, with these tips, you can take to the streets at night and create wonderful compositions of exciting and out-of-this-world photos using our Lomo'Instant cameras.

How do you shoot your Lomo'Instant cameras at night? Comment down below!

written by rocket_fries0036 on 2024-12-13 #gear #tutorials #experimental #instant #tipster #night-time #low-light-photography #lomo-instant-line