September Theme Assignment

For our final assignment of the season, we’re diving into Raleigh’s bars and nightlife—capture the glow, grit, and energy of the evening using only your mobile phone.

1. Lean Into Low Light
Most nightlife shots will be dim, so steady your phone with both hands, a tabletop, or even against a wall to avoid blur. If your phone has “night mode,” use it—it stacks exposures for cleaner, brighter images.

2. Embrace Neon and Ambient Glow
Bars often have neon, string lights, or candles that set the mood. Use these light sources as part of the composition—silhouettes against neon signs, reflections in glassware, or shadows across a table can make striking shots.

3. Capture Reflections
Look for reflections in windows, mirrors, or even glossy tabletops. A cocktail glass reflecting a bar sign or a neon glow bouncing off a wall adds depth and intrigue.

4. Focus on Details
Don’t just shoot the whole bar—zoom in on the pour of a drink, the garnish on a cocktail, or the glow of bottles on a shelf. These little details often capture the nightlife vibe better than wide shots.

5. Play With Portrait Mode
Portrait mode is perfect for nightlife because it softens busy backgrounds. Use it to highlight a friend’s laugh, a bartender at work, or a striking drink presentation.

6. Use Movement Creatively
Bars are full of life—let some blur show it. Try snapping dancers, bartenders shaking cocktails, or crowds moving past neon signs. A little motion blur can add energy.

7. Edit for Mood
Boost contrast and saturation to make neon pop, or lower saturation and add grain for a gritty, late-night feel. Cropping tightly around glowing colors or dramatic shadows can also amplify the mood.

Bonus Idea: Reflection Shots

Look for puddles, mirrors, or glass surfaces to create cool reflected images. This adds an extra dimension and can turn an ordinary piece into a striking photo.