Night photography in previous times

komet · Dec 5, 2005

Can anyone give me some pointers to the earliest examples of night cityscape photography?

I am quite clear that modern night shots are very much a result of electric lighting, but I also know that before Edison, cities were lit at night with gas lanterns. Surely photographs of those times must exist? But I'm not aware of them. But I'm not just looking for shots of gas-lit cities, but the entire history of night photography.

Any hints?

Thanks, anthony

bill schwab · Dec 5, 2005

Anthony,

Have you tried The Nocturnes site? Lots of great references to things shot at night. They have a forum there that may help you.

www.thenocturnes.com

Bill

Bob Carnie · Dec 5, 2005

Brassai night images of Paris are a wonderful example

komet · Dec 5, 2005

Bob Carnie said:
Brassai night images of Paris are a wonderful example

Bob, thanks very much for the hint. I wasn't familiar with Brassaï, but now I've just ordered the book "Paris at Night" online!

anthony

athanasius80 · Dec 5, 2005

Allegedly, Brassai would time his exposures by how long it took to smoke a cigarette. He's the earliest I know of for nighttime, and a some of his exposures were done by gaslight. A book on him called "Brassai and the Secret Paris" or something similar has a lamplighter at night as the final photograph. Good luck!

Bob Carnie · Dec 6, 2005

Anthony Your Welcome

Brassai is one of my favorite photographers, Friends and I decided he was in the top 10 of all time.(what do we know).
His photographs in the nightclubs are as amazing as his outdoor street scenes , I think you will be very happy with the book and others of his.
Bob

Night photography in previous times

komet

bill schwab

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Bob Carnie

komet

athanasius80

Bob Carnie

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