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Photographs of city lights at night can look spectacular, but they cause all manner of problems for cameras set to automatic modes. With just a few manual adjustments, though, you'll be ready for action.

Night photography involves working with low light, and that means longer exposures than normal. If your camera has a manual mode, set the aperture to the smallest f-number to let in the most light and try a shutter speed of one second. Most cameras indicate seconds using double quotes. Unless you're also trying to capture someone in the foreground, switch your flash off. It won't have any effect and it can fool your camera into underexposing the shot.

Next you'll need to find somewhere steady to place your camera. If you don't have a tripod, balance your camera on the edge of a post, fence or ledge and hang on to the strap in case it falls. By placing it on an item of clothing, you'll be able to make some compositional adjustments.

Finally, to avoid moving the camera when you take the photo, use the self-timer. If the result comes out too bright or dark, use a faster or slower shutter speed. Remember to put your camera back to Auto afterwards.

	1 If you don't have a tripod, balance your camera on a ledge for great night shots.