How to Get Better Photos in Any Light

Miracles in Low Light

The future, here and now
Industrial nightscapes, when photographed correctly, really do seem like magic -- a hulking and sinister factory or construction site is transformed into a futuristic world, lit by an iridescent palette.

Photographer Bennett Ho (www.bhophoto.com) used Tungsten white balance to cancel the orangeyellow cast of the mixed light of this refinery -- lit by incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge, and sodium lamps.

Watch out for floodlights, which, when aimed directly into the lens, can "introduce a lot of flare or ghosting, or simply become too much of a visual distraction," says Ho. If peripheral beams of light are unavoidable, use a lens shade.

Another danger: security guards. Try to get permission in advance.