Faux Lowlight/Night

I'm playing around with a couple of ideas for shoot that would take place at night in a cemetery. But since most of them are closed/off limits at night, I was thinking of taking the shot in daylight and PP'ing them to look as if they were night shots.

Is there a convincing way to take photos in the day and make them look as if they were made at night? Is it really as simple as dialing down the exposure?

Convincing? Yes. Simple? No. And dialing down exposure is not how you do it.

There are so many factors not the least of which is that you need to make sure that your daylight shot is done in light that allows for it. Is there "natural" light to the place at night (this would include everything from the moon to street lights and signage)? Is that light directional? How would shadows be cast? Are you looking to replace the sky or simply darken it?

And those are the basic questions.

The cemeteries I'm considering have many places in them that would not be affected by street lights and signage; just moonlight and residual/indirect city light pollution.

But most of the shots I'm envisioning would not include the sky directly. So I don't need to fake stars or the moon or anything like that.

Also, I do have a plan "B" and "C" so don't feel obliged to type out a huge detailed reply (unless you so desire; I'm willing to learn!). If it's a pain in the ass, feel free to say so and leave it at that.

Finally, would ND filters help make things more convincing?

Many cemeteries have a specific closing time regardless of the sunset time, usually 7pm.
Look for a cemetery where you could set-up the shot you want and wait for the sky to get dark and then snap some shots before the gates close. The sun is setting early enough now that you would have a couple hours to shoot.

There are also some country graveyards that have no visiting times posted. You just have to find out if they are public or sitting on private land. Just be careful if you decide to go to those kinds of places at night.

Many churches have open cemeteries by the church where you could set-up as well. If you talk to somebody in advance, they might let you shoot after hours if any are posted.

Good luck.

Both of my "Plan A" cemeteries close "at dusk". But you've laid out my plans "B" & "C" perfectly with your other suggestions

Maybe drive to your "A" cemetery and see if it actually closes at dusk since that time changes daily. It may close when the office closes if there is one on site. You still might be able to get some of your shots right as it gets dark. Couldn't up hurt to try.

Can you tell I hang out at cemeteries? I hope you get your shots. I want to see what you are up to.

Dawg Pics said:

Can you tell I hang out at cemeteries? I hope you get your shots. I want to see what you are up to.

Click to expand...

I love the stones and architecture in cemeteries. I'm just in the conceptual stages for a photo story/essay? (not sure of the proper term) involving knights, wizards, rangers, etc. The large cemeteries near me have some beautiful stone monuments and mausoleums that could easily stand in for "castle-esque" stonework.

Anyway, I'll definitely post the photos when get shooting!