How to Shoot Film at Night

Today I'm sharing my updated process on how I shoot film photos and long exposures at night.
Thanks Squarespace for sponsoring this video. Go to www.squarespace.com/willem for a free 14 day trial and use code WILLEM for 10% off your first purchase
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GEAR USED FOR NIGHT PHOTOS
My Tripod: partner.shopmoment.com/e4PK1D
Cable release: I have yet to find one that doesn't break.
Sekonic Light Meter: partner.shopmoment.com/jWArev
Portra 400: partner.shopmoment.com/oeJm5W
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Follow Willem: / willemverb
Special thanks to Jimmy for the help filming: / jay__mac
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My Bag Company:
LongWeekend Website: partner.shopmoment.com/kjAD9V
LongWeekend Instagram: / longweekendgear
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MUSIC:
The music in this video was all sourced from Musicbed -
Get a free trial of the best music for your videos: share.mscbd.fm/willemverb

[@jonathanparker8701]

He has done the impossible: an entire night photography video without mentioning 800T. Champion.

[@Ohtenga]

What is 800T I’m new

[@ArmandoStreets]

It is a filmstock by CineStill called 800Tas it is a tungsten balanced 800 ISO film. hence, the name. Many people love to use this film for night photography but night photography can really be done with any ISO film as long as you are using a tripod and long exposures ;) @@Ohtenga

[@WilkoVFX]

@@Ohtenga cinestil 800t, it's a film which is popular for its heavy halation effect

[@wchristian2000]

@@Ohtenga its an 800 ISO film treated with tungsten :)

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

cinestill 800t, kinda iconic for the red halation effect@@Ohtenga

[@TheDeamonLo]

the idea of covering the lens as the car drove by kind of blew my mind. it makes sense but I would have never thought of that.

[@WillemVerb]

As long as you don't move the camera, its a good last resort if you're taking a shot and a car comes out of nowhere.

[@joshuagrajer]

Same!! Makes so much sense but never even considered it!

[@kenandersson8777]

Agree that was news to me, too. But the tail light sometimes add some city ref

[@Ch0obyHD]

and you can do even do it with people too or other things coming by

[@trevvrun]

Same I had no idea you could do that

[@Aldawwg98]

9:09 “yoo is that like an old ass camera” 😂

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

yo actually pretty impressed that he was able to notice in night time from a moving car, if I were there I would be pretty impressed

[@95airgabriel]

that shot of the sun + water + cliffs @ 5:29 is absolutely gorgeous man!

[@MisterComeback]

3:09 unbelievable photo, like framed paintings! so good❤️

[@JamieFurlong]

Yes, that one really stood out.

[@kaminlnw]

7:29 is amazing the light made it look like straight out of a miniature set in old movie/cartoons

[@XspikeyTube]

Intro 0:00 Gear 2:32 Film 4:20 Reciprocity Failure 6:28 Shooting 8:08

[@kailebcarrphoto_]

Covering the lens is such a good idea. One question, do you ever run into issues photographing people’s residences at night? Or advice on how you approach this? Great video as always!

[@z352kdaf8324]

Hopefully you are carrying S&W. If not, just be prepared to run.

[@imAlexTheKid]

Was going to ask this as well, just always been curious.

[@ronniepadda]

I cannot wait to try this, thanks for the tips and informative video!

[@DavidSk2683]

Very helpful and easy to understand. Thank you Willem!

[@moodystockholm]

Great video as always! I loved when you covered the lens with your hand to avoid the car lights being in the picture. That's a cool trick I never thought about before! The result turned up amazingly good!

[@officialjaredeast]

I loved the video Willem. Very informative. Thanks for another great video

[@fraggleroks]

Thanks so much! Needed this tutorial and up it popped!

[@DylanSpitz]

So many good tips, Willem. Your night work is so inspiring! Makes me want to break out a tripod even though I absolutely despise using them.

[@tomdivasion7724]

I like my film photography like I like my coffee. Dark with a spoon in it

[@RM.TokyoPhotographer]

Just love the colors and light

[@joszend]

great work as always

[@1994OBO]

Such a nice video, explaining in such a simple way how to do this. Been kinda hesitant about night film photography, but gonna buy the cable release and get on my way!

[@anastasiafua]

So so so helpful! I’ve been wanting to photograph my neighbourhood at night for some time now, inspired by you 🙏🏽 thanks for sharing!🎉

[@flyingo]

Very cool. There are so many people getting into film photography these days that this type of guidance and sharing experiences is very good to see happening. I’ve been sooting film for 55+ years and am frequently asked about night photography and long exposures. Thanks for this!

[@qiuhongyu1274]

dude, this is so good, Love that you're sharing what you know, No gate keeping on this channel!

[@ChrisVidouras]

love the sense of ease with using film for long exposures.

[@memohaddad]

Great tips as always. I've tried night photography In NYC, Toronto, and even in my trips - recently in Turkey. And it is so calming as you don't have that extra noise, you really focus on each shot. And I'm one of those who can't get a portable light meter, so the app has been on spot for all my manual meterings.

[@jorsetti]

Excellent video! Thanks for doing this! Getting back into it!

[@filmsimp]

Been waiting for this oneee

[@Marcello1b]

Keep up what you're doing. You have the location, the talent and great film to learn with. Always great photos 👌👍

[@JustinInBlack]

exactly what I need, thank you so much Willem

[@Alexjvd]

Dude this was sooo helpful, never thought of covering the lens when cars go by for long exposure, thank you so much for this!

[@justinaprieto1665]

amazing pictures man! this video got me inspired, very much appreciated ✊

[@TheNewBruno69]

I did try night photography myself, but i never thought of never covering the lens for the cars that pass by and neither to consider the lens to be more close. Love it, thank you willem

[@on_philm]

Thank you soo much for this video!! I looked for something like this quiet a while, because i started film photography and didn't exactly know how to do night photography without an expensive light meter. But to see it done so easily, i can go out at night with more confidence and my phone now ^^

[@willallcock8846]

cheers for this video , ive been shooting film for about two years now and have always wanted to try nighttime stuff but have never known where to start, the long exposure stuff intimidates me a bit, thanks!!

[@lukemerrill1272]

Really helpful! Nice shots too!

[@ChrisPugh]

It was super helpful, thank you.

[@terricarpenter1798]

Wow, you make this so easy to try....I'm old and been shooting for 40 years with film and never thought of covering the lens when a car goes by. Thank you for sharing.

[@guirob]

Very usefull Willem, i'm starting film photography, it helps 👍 thks

[@jvhnfleming]

The cover the lens trick is next level!!! Putting that in my back pocket, thank you

[@hollywoodheiner6028]

I just love how he updates his series ❤

[@NatashaSegebre-sl3mr]

A whole video on night photography, my favorite (: Super well made + informative video dude! And the car tip was so helpful I'm gonna be using that all the time now haha!

[@GTXTi-db5xu]

Thanks a lot!! This give me the needed confidence to go out and try some night photography.

[@zach3222]

this is absolute perfect timing for me i was thinking about trying my hand at some night shooting for the first time

[@JeffBarkema]

Good stuff as always. I'm amazed at how you're able to get good shots with a fair amount of people about. And to not have them be skeptical as to why you're walking around with a camera. Or asking "are you taking photos?" as you're standing there with a camera. Depends on location I'm sure.

[@Incorpus-Art]

Just discovered your channel via the youtube recommendations and the minute you started talking I just knew that I would like the content. Such a calm and informative video! Loved to hear the tips and see the shoot at the end, I’m definitely going to buy a tripod after this hahah Just subscribed, love from Brazil

[@mizraimalvarado6212]

i was looking for a really good video explaining how to take film pictures at night, thanks a lot Willem

[@Pysees868]

Great video, Willem. I'm aleady a little nervous about shooting film, but this vid/tutorial helps me feel a bit more confident about shooting at night.

[@W4LT3Rego]

Super interesting video! Thanks for the info!

[@john.mathews]

Its a good day when you release a new video! 💚

[@thomasbrady8056]

I have shot film for years but never done any night photography on film. I have a roll of 35mm Cinestill 800T and this definitely gave me more confidence to go out and shoot it! Great video

[@anonymousreality6]

This video about explaining night photography was much better and easier than your old one. Thank you!

[@joshdenapoli9286]

Couldn't ask for this at a better time, I'm starting a project that's almost exclusively night shots on film tomorrow, and I've been stressing out about it since it's new territory for me.

[@maxmorenobedmar6002]

You don't know how much I needed this video

[@ChrisKluepfel]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@crwn_munkz]

Dude! The shot with the lightning at the beginning of the video! 🤯😍🤯😍🤯

[@timwolfe3475]

I went and shot my first roll at night after watching this video. Thanks a ton. I didn't know anything about reciprocity. I shot at f8-11 like you recommend but all the street lights, etc get extreme starbursts. But yours all have a beautiful glow. I was shooting a pentax67 55mm with 800T. Reading, it sounds like I should open up the aperture to solve but wondered if I missed a step or you have some 'I'm just gonna put my hand in front of the lens when the car comes'- type of secret.

[@HulseFamily2614]

It’s your film. 800T is known for its glows around lights because it’s a converted movie film. If you are not a fan of the halos I would recommend shooting with a different film and not cinestill.

[@bobsykes]

Fantastic and so helpful! I have always appreciated the photos you make, but the really practical technique and your explanation are super useful. I can only imagine what the folks in the car said about the sign. 😂

[@nathanhattaway1616]

I’ve been shooting 35 for about 6 months now but I’m excited to try my hand at night photography! Thank you so much for this 🙏🏻

[@schalkwtheart]

Thanks, great content!

[@jpegderrick]

Perfect timing! I was researching this all next week. I’m shooting on a Contax G1 I wanna challenge myself!

[@joaomqb]

love the vibes

[@scoobthadude84]

Awesome tips💯 going to give it a go soon🔥

[@redmondartwork]

I practiced with digital during a super foggy night. This reminded me to get out and do it with film. I bought some ultra low iso...thought that would be good for night shots...but it would only be good for long exposures. You experience you learn. Great video! Subd

[@mingzhang2590]

It helps a Lot! Thank you!!!

[@constantinestewart7416]

Beautiful images.

[@maxcalifornia94]

Thanks for this. I love film.

[@spacekeat]

Thank you! This video was helpful for me :D

[@justcallhimmax1262]

Lovely video, Willem. Super excited for the Porsche video!

[@the_last_rangefinder_society]

Magical images

[@sesa2984]

My free internet hotspot that we get from the library my fiancee works at cause were poor actually decided to show me this one video in HD. It was nice not having to imagine the film characteristics.

[@MidnightParadox1]

Super helpful video

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

I definitely need to shoot more night photos! These look incredible Willem, well done!

[@gregsmith6373]

Great video, thank you! Helped me a lot. Cheers from Norway :)

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Man, this episode is so inspiring! 🤌 I have so much night photography that I haven’t published (that’s about to change). Your photos are beautiful btw✨

[@IT11Audio]

Very interesting, thank you very much !

[@adebambzinthehills]

the goat is back

[@gonnor_cates]

The video we’ve been waiting on for years 🥹

[@franciscojrmc]

sooooo good !!!

[@Daniellethedaisy]

Great video!!

[@jonatascd_]

look at that - I was watching the previous version yesterday due to a upcoming trip. dankjewel maatje

[@bongieger7871]

Son, what a shot at 3:09!

[@spencersanderson4590]

That window shot in morro bay is still insane

[@fulltimecasualnz]

Thanks dude!

[@rommelnunez]

That opening shot was delicious

[@SD_Alias]

You should also consider pre-exposing the film by one zone. This brings a lot more detail to large otherwise black detailless areas without affecting the highlights or quarter tones. But this requires a camera with a double exposure function or sheetfilm large format.

[@shahn78]

I've done by share of daytime & nighttime street photography and what i ABSOLUTELY HATE is dealing w/ people. Some are curious, sure, you make small talk, refocus & get back to shooting. The worst are those who cant comprehend why youre taking a pic out in the open at all and they take it personally. And fuggitaboutit if that same asshole thinks youre taking a pic of them. I've had ppl confront me, call the cops, etc. It could be such a therapeutic and deep work shooting at night but had become anxiety provoking dealing w/ stupid donkeys.

[@Jwats96]

Lol I need to know what the dude in the car said. Another great video though man, always struggled with night photos on film.

[@josephderogatis2978]

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙏✌️

[@ChrisKluepfel]

Isn't that crazy how you have to explain yourself to people when you set up a trypod yet no one asks people with cellphones what they take pictures of? 😂

[@pierrecrampagne6826]

Vos photos sont vraiment très bien, vous avez un bon rendu des couleurs, et l'ambiance nocturne montre où l'on se trouve. L'ambiance de brouillard est d'un agréable effet.Les photos en première partie de la vidéo sont très bien aussi.

[@buickboy92]

Seriously fantastic advise Willem! Makes me excited for night photography which isn't something I do often enough. I primarily use digital, so I'll apply these tips there as well. P.S. Perhaps in the future you'll make a digital How-to night photography video?

[@karkitty202]

1. Set to Auto 2. Point and Shoot. Don't really need a tutorial for digital lol

[@OLEYNIKOVLIFE]

Fabulous❤

[@daviddouglas9748]

My favorite film to shoot with is Fuji Provia 100f. It was definitely a learning curve but it so crisp when done right

[@ShawarmaFarmer]

Nice vid. Any tips on where to focus for F8/11? Should I use the hyperfocal point? Additionally is there a way to use an incident light meter to meter a scene in the distance ? Should I assume the same light/shadow regions and go off that?

[@VariTimo]

How to actually shoot film at night handheld: Lens wide open at least f2, slowest speed you can hand hold without shake, 1/60th for most people. There are exceptions to this like long lenses but with most films, even slower ones and normal and wide lenses you’ll get a shot in low light. With 400 ISO film or faster you’ll get a shot in almost any light. It just works, unless your scanning sucks.

[@kennyli3225]

the hand in front of the lens to block the light trails is an amazing tip

[@CassieFayePhoto]

Hey there! Thanks for all your videos, they're really inspiring me to learn more about film. Hopefull not a silly question - when you're taking the 1-minute exposure where you cover the camera for the car, how are you letting the shutter release cable just hang without holding it down? Do some have the ability to lock so it holds the shutter down in bulb mode?

[@samilojia]

great vid!! please consider using a black bg when showcasing a non-full-screen photo, it'll be easier on the eyes especially you're showcasing nighttime photos with lower overall exposure

[@mpk33]

Liking the longer hair look, Willem Verb... 👍🏻

[@jimschmidt7303]

As a crutch, I shoot with my dslr first to confirm settings and composition prior to taking film photos. I enjoy the greater dynamic range and better high lights of film.

[@wenxinyangg]

I went and shot in Seaside Heights recently because of your photos not realizing it was THE jersey shore. I understand the chaotic conversations you're having with people now.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Excellent