Light trails appear when a moving light, such as a car headlight, is recorded during a long exposure and draws a streak across the frame. Put your camera on a tripod, use a low ISO, a mid-range aperture and a shutter speed of about 5 to 30 seconds. Choose a safe spot away from traffic, and keep clear of the road.
Choose a Location and Time
Good spots overlook roads from a bridge, a hill or a footpath. Dusk, called blue hour, gives a deep blue sky that balances the lights, while full darkness gives black backgrounds.
- Choose roads with curves, junctions or flyovers for graceful lines
- Choose a position at least a few meters from the roadway
- Avoid blocking pavements, and be aware of cyclists and walkers
- Do not stand on traffic lanes or lean over railings
- Check local rules for tripods on bridges
Step-by-Step Settings
- Set up the tripod on firm ground and level the camera.
- Compose with lines that lead into the scene, such as a curving road.
- Focus on a distant light or a building, then switch to manual focus to lock it.
- Set the mode to manual, ISO 100 to 200 and aperture f/8 to f/11.
- Set a shutter speed of 10 seconds as a first try.
- Use a remote release or the two-second timer.
- Take a shot and look at the screen. If trails are too short, lengthen the time. If lights are blown out, close the aperture.
- Repeat several times, since traffic varies from moment to moment.
Shutter Speed Choices
| Shutter speed | Result | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 5 seconds | Short, bright streaks | Busy roads |
| 10 to 15 seconds | Long, flowing lines | Most scenes |
| 20 to 30 seconds | Continuous ribbons | Quiet roads |
Composition Ideas
- Use a curve or an S-shaped road as the main line
- Include a landmark, such as a bridge or a tower, to anchor the trails
- Shoot from above to show the pattern of red taillights and white headlights
- Try a low angle near a curb, while staying safely back from traffic
- Add a pedestrian standing still for a ghostly effect
Fine-Tuning Your Trails
Once you have a basic frame, small changes improve the result. Vary the shutter speed so you capture both short and long streaks, and watch for headlights that turn into harsh white lines. If the sky is bright, lower the exposure slightly so the trails stay colorful. Wipe the front of the lens often, because night air and moisture create flare around lights.
- Shoot raw so you can balance the red and white trails later
- Blend several frames in editing for a busier look on a quiet road
- Turn off image stabilization on the tripod unless the manual says otherwise
FAQ
Why are my trails too bright and white?
The exposure is too long or the aperture too wide. Close down the aperture to f/11 or shorten the time, and lower ISO.
Can I do this with a phone?
Many phones have a long exposure or live photo effect. Place the phone on a small tripod or a firm ledge, and tap the screen carefully.
The Short Version
Use a tripod, ISO 100, f/8 to f/11 and about 10 seconds, then adjust to taste. Keep clear of traffic and choose curved roads for the best streaks.
