With more than 700,000 people attending White Night Melbourne last year, it's safe to say that the occasion has quickly become one of the city's most popular events. But for 2019, the late-night creative showcase has undergone a slight shack-up with the event now being held across three nights in three distinct Melbourne locations. Featuring more vibrant arts and culture events than ever before, White Night Melbourne provides photographers with a great chance to capture some spectacular shots after-dark. Held August 22-24, head along to this bustling highlight of the year and put your night-time photographic skills to the test. Here are some basic tips to consider before the big weekend!
Prepare your shots and research your ideal location
White Night Melbourne undoubtedly offers an incredible array of events. But depending on the vibe you want to create in your work, you'll want to be careful about where you choose to shoot. From colourful LED installations to breath-taking projections, the White Night Melbourne 2019 program presents a host of backdrops that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. To give you a head start, some spots you might want to consider include the 10-metre long interactive White Night sign, while Antonin Fourneau's Waterlight Graffiti installation will be another special setting that'll undeniably look incredible hidden deep within Treasury Gardens.
Bring the best gear for the job
Even though much of Melbourne will be lit up across the White Night weekend, you'll still want to make sure you have the right gear to avoid blurry or out-of-focus shots. Once the sun has set and you can no longer rely on natural light, bring along a tripod so you can use long exposures and keep your shots sharp. This also means you can work with lower ISOs and slower shutter speeds to keep your photographs free of distortion and noise. For those looking to get the sharpest images possible, a cable release is a useful addition to your kit that means you won't bump the camera when you take a shot, while an external flash will offer you even more photographic possibilities during the event.
Make the most of your surroundings
Lively public events such as White Night Melbourne are always going to provide you with some extraordinary shots if you're properly prepared. Make the most of the festivities and have a plan for how you want to approach your shoot. It's also a good idea to arrive early so that you can find the perfect camera settings to use throughout the evening. This way, you won't miss any opportunities once you're ready to start shooting!
For full event details and to start your location scout, head to the White Night Melbourne website.
