Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to Neon Photography: Top 5 Neon Photo Tips
If you’re looking to add some neon excitement to your photography, these glowing lights can add a unique, eye-catching element to your photos. However, they can also be a bit tricky to work with. Here’s my beginner’s guide to neon photography are some creative tips for capturing those nostalgic lights!
![Neon Portrait Photography Tips Tricks Run N Gun](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Catherine_Neon_019-1024x576.jpg)
Neon Photography Tip #1
Embrace the darkness: One of the coolest things about neon lights is the way they glow and flicker in the darkness. Don’t be afraid to embrace the darkness and shoot in low-light conditions. When in doubt, be sure to use a tripod or lean against a wall, slowing your shutter speed to properly expose your shot. It’s always better to properly expose your photo in-camera over bringing up your exposure later while editing.
![Broadway St. Nashville Bar Neon Signs](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DSC5431-Edit-copy-1024x682.jpg)
Neon Photography Tip #2
Get colorful: Neon lights come in a plethora of colors, each producing a different mood in your neon photos. Experiment with different hues and see how they change the mood and atmosphere of your shots.
Run N Gun Pro Tip: Be careful with yellow and white neon signs. They can make white balance with skin tones tricky, so I tend to avoid them altogether.
![Neon Portrait Photography Tips Tricks Run N Gun 3](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DSC0601-1024x681.jpg)
Neon Photography Tip #3
Use reflections: Neon lights can create some beautiful reflections when shot at the right angle. Try shooting through a window or using a reflective surface (such as a puddle on a rainy night, or a mirror) to add a new level of visual interest to your shots.
![Slow Shutter Speed Panning shot of car with neon lights in Denver, Colorado](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Panning-Neon-1024x681.jpg)
Neon Photography Tip #4
Experiment with motion: Shooting neon lights in motion can add that extra element of liveliness to your photographs. Try panning your camera in combination with using a slower shutter speed to capture the motion with the neon lights as your backdrop.
![Rainy Night Neon Flag Reflection in Times Square NYC](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Neon-Flag-Website-1024x576.jpg)
Neon Photography Tip #5
Get creative with composition: The placement of neon lights in your frame can greatly affect the overall composition of your photograph. Before pressing the shutter button, ask yourself: Are the neons the subject, or do they play a supporting role? Play around with different angles and focal lengths to find the most fascinating composition.
As always, remember to try to capture what you feel, not what you see.
![Ellie Neon Portrait Close Up with Neon Overlay. Photoshoot Collaboration with Run N Gun Photography.](https://therunngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/003A-jpg.webp)
Beginner’s Guide to Neon Photography Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this neon photography guide! If you take these tips to heart, and think before you shoot, I promise you’ll make some truly stunning neon photos.
If you enjoy the look of my Neon Photography, check out my Official Run N Gun Photography Shop for tons of Presets, Color Grading LUTs and other Photography Assets! Also be sure to check out my video tutorials on my Run N Gun Photography Channel.
Until next time, get out and go shoot!