Hong Kong draws photographers from all around the world like flies at a light from the abundance of neon signs that hang from the city’s clustered structures. Photographing neon lights is not an easy task. The trick is to have patience and be creative, as well as know how to work with low light. These are five easy tips and tricks to help you keep Hong Kong’s neon cityscape intact.
Some props are helpful
You need to have a unique angle to make a signed photo look interesting. Sometimes, you might need a prop to spice up your shot. The reflective side of a disc can be held up to your lens. While you may have to adjust the angle of your disk, once you get it in the correct position, you will get a burst or color that will fill the space in your photograph. Amazon or eBay sells glass prisms for a more elegant look. Prisms can create amazing effects by refracting light. For example, you can make flares and rainbows in your photos. If you are taking portraits of a model, make sure they have a pair of glasses. The surrounding neon signs for sale will reflect light off the glass and draw your audience into the photograph. If nothing else works, you can use the reflective surfaces surrounding you. Shop windows and puddles on floors are all good options.
Neon LED signs can look brighter than the dark, so it’s tempting to crank up your exposure. Avoid falling for this trap. Instead, try to underexamined your photo slightly and add details in the editing process. This will allow you to keep the ISO low and capture more detail. It will also minimize grain and preserve the highlights and colors of the image.
If your phone does not allow you to adjust ISO, tap on the portion of the image in the middle of the darkest or brightest part of your image. This will allow your phone to adjust to mid-brightness and give you the same freedom with light as a DSLR.
Before you leave, look for a neon sign
Before you take off on your next photography trip, it is important to know where the custom neon signs are located. It is not easy to find the right sign in the dark, as Hong Kong is overflowing with lights. Tsim Sha Tsui’s Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok’s Wan Chai have a lot of great signs. Don’t be afraid to explore off the beaten path. There are also unique signs that can be found in smaller areas like fishing villages or small restaurants.
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Post-processing is crucial
Neon signs are available in many different styles and colors. You don’t have to stop once you’re happy about your shot. Lightroom, Photoshop, or another photo editing software will import your image. Once you are happy with the shot, you can experiment with color curves and highlights until you find the right color scheme. RAW will allow you more freedom in changing colors and brightness. Follow the second tip to enhance or brighten shadows and highlights to bring out the full color.