A Technical and Philosophical Exploration: Vernon Chalmers’ Night Photography is a Masterclass in Technical Discipline, Artistic Expression, and Existential Mindfulness
 |
| Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : From Woodbridge Island, Cape Town |
Report Index:
- Introduction
- Background on Vernon Chalmers
- Philosophy of Night Photography
- Equipment and Canon EOS System Preference
- Camera Settings and Exposure Strategy
- Long Exposure Photography and Light Trails
- Composition Techniques at Night
- Light and Shadow as Emotional Tools
- Post-Processing Workflow
- Teaching Night Photography
- The Existential Motif
- Challenges and Solutions in Night Photography
- Community Influence and Legacy
- Conclusion
- References
- Report Compiler
- Images Copyright
"Night photography stands as one of the most challenging yet rewarding branches of photographic expression. Capturing the subtleties of low light, the glow of artificial illumination, and the serenity of nocturnal scenes demands a refined technical proficiency and an acute sense of composition. Vernon Chalmers, a South African photographer and Canon camera trainer, exemplifies this genre with an approach that blends precision, aesthetic clarity, and pedagogical intent. His contributions to night photography not only showcase his artistic talent but also his commitment to educating others in the pursuit of photographic excellence. This report explores the intricacies of Chalmers’ night photography, including his techniques, philosophical approach, post-processing choices, and the educational value he provides to his photography community.
2. Background on Vernon Chalmers
Vernon Chalmers has a diverse professional history, combining military management training in the South African Navy with corporate, academic, and creative pursuits. He is widely known for his Canon EOS training programs in Cape Town and has authored numerous articles on photography technique and creative development. Chalmers is especially respected for his work in bird photography and long exposure night photography. His approach to photography is influenced by existential philosophy, particularly the writings of Viktor Frankl, which shape how he sees photographic meaning as a form of intentional living (Chalmers, 2023).
3. Philosophy of Night Photography
Chalmers does not see night photography merely as a technical exercise. For him, it becomes an avenue for existential exploration. Through the lens, night becomes a space of solitude, reflection, and transcendence. He often expresses that photography at night is about capturing the essence of calm - when visual noise subsides and the world quietens. Influenced by Viktor Frankl’s concept of "Logotherapy," Chalmers’ night images often carry themes of meaning-making through composition, stillness, and the interplay of light and dark (Frankl, 2006).
He states that night photography “requires you to slow down and listen to the environment - it demands presence.” This aligns with a therapeutic use of photography, where the night-time process becomes a form of meditative engagement, calming the mind while sharpening the technical eye (Chalmers, 2024).
Vernon Chalmers Landscape / Seascape and Long Exposure Training Sessions
 |
| Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Milnerton Beach |
4. Equipment and Canon EOS System Preference
Chalmers primarily uses the Canon EOS system for all his photography. In night photography, he leverages both DSLR and mirrorless bodies, including models such as the Canon EOS 6D, EOS 6D Mark II and EOS R series cameras. His lens choices typically include:
- Canon EF 16–35mm f/4L IS USM
- Canon EF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM
- Canon EF 70–300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
These lenses, known for their clarity and stabilization, enable him to capture long-exposure shots with remarkable sharpness. His preference for full-frame sensors maximizes light intake during low-light shoots, a key consideration in night photography.
Additionally, Chalmers uses solid tripod systems (such as Manfrotto) and remote shutter releases to ensure vibration-free long exposures. He is a strong advocate for using Bulb Mode for exposures longer than 30 seconds and encourages manual ISO/aperture adjustments.
 |
| Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Woodbridge Island, Main Bridge |
5. Camera Settings and Exposure Strategy
One of the hallmarks of Chalmers’ night photography technique is his methodical approach to exposure. He teaches and practices the balance between ISO sensitivity, aperture width, and shutter speed through a process he calls exposure equilibrium. This often involves:
-
ISO Range: 100–200 depending on the available ambient light and desired noise profile.
-
Aperture: Typically f/8 to f/16 for landscapes to ensure depth of field.
-
Shutter Speed: From 5 seconds to several minutes using Bulb Mode.
-
White Balance: Often set manually to maintain color consistency under artificial lights.
Chalmers encourages photographers to shoot in RAW format at night to preserve maximum tonal data for post-processing. He also explains the dangers of overexposure in urban night photography, where artificial lights can blow highlights if not carefully controlled.
 |
| Long Exposure and Light Trails : Woodbridge Island (From Arnhem, Milnerton) |
6. Long Exposure Photography and Light Trails
Chalmers is renowned for his long-exposure night photography, especially in urban Cape Town. His images often depict:
-
Light trails from passing vehicles
-
Still reflections on water
-
Illuminated architecture
-
Harbour scenes with starbursts from streetlights
He uses exposures of 5 to 60 seconds to capture motion while keeping architectural elements sharp. Light trails, in particular, feature prominently in his work, conveying the passage of time and energy in otherwise static compositions. He emphasizes pre-visualization — imagining the outcome before clicking the shutter.
In a 2023 workshop, Chalmers explained, “It’s not just about capturing light; it’s about orchestrating it.” This philosophy reveals his artistic control over chaotic urban elements.
 |
| Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm Lens : Fireworks, Cape Town (From Arnhem, Milnerton) |
7. Composition Techniques at Night
Composition in night photography poses unique challenges, such as reduced depth perception, unusual light reflections, and high-contrast scenes. Chalmers addresses this by using the following:
-
Rule of Thirds with strong horizontal or vertical lines.
-
Leading lines from roads or light trails.
-
Reflections in water to add symmetry.
-
Foreground interest to anchor the viewer’s eye.
He often shoots from low angles, using water puddles, sidewalks, or roads to create visual depth. Framing is meticulously considered — even in low light, he advises using Live View magnification to nail focus manually when autofocus struggles.
8. Light and Shadow as Emotional Tools
Light and shadow are not just visual elements in Chalmers’ work; they are emotional instruments. He uses shadow to represent mystery or calm and light to signify human presence, progress, or contrast. The tension between light sources — natural moonlight, streetlamps, or traffic — creates an emotional narrative in his photographs.
He avoids over-saturation or excessive post-processing, keeping tones realistic but expressive. In harbor scenes, for instance, he uses sodium-vapor lighting glow as a warm tone counterpoint to the deep blues of night.
9. Post-Processing Workflow
Chalmers uses Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for his post-processing needs. His night photography editing workflow typically includes:
-
Noise reduction using Lightroom’s Detail panel.
-
Highlight control to manage artificial lighting.
-
Shadow recovery to bring subtle details out of darkness.
-
Clarity and contrast adjustments to enhance sharpness without oversaturation.
-
Color grading for subtle warmth or cool tones depending on scene mood.
He avoids heavy manipulation, opting for what he terms "authentic correction" rather than synthetic enhancement. His commitment to realism over fantasy gives his night photos a journalistic, documentary quality.
 |
| Handheld at Night : V&A Waterfront, Cape Town |
10. Teaching Night Photography
Chalmers is deeply invested in sharing his knowledge. His photography workshops and one-on-one training sessions frequently include modules on night photography. His students learn not just camera settings, but how to think photographically in low-light situations. He guides them through practical field outings, often at Milnerton Lagoon, Cape Town Harbour, or Bloubergstrand.
Key teaching methods include:
-
Live demonstrations of long exposure setups.
-
In-field composition planning.
-
Real-time feedback on camera settings.
-
Guided post-processing sessions.
His educational material is detailed, accessible, and always customized to the individual’s skill level. His ability to demystify complex concepts makes him one of the most trusted educators in South African photography circles.
11. The Existential Motif
Vernon Chalmers often describes night photography as photographic mindfulness. His images reflect themes of solitude, clarity, and existential inquiry. He believes photography can help individuals discover meaning by engaging deeply with their environment, especially in the solitude of night.
This aligns with Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy: a human being finds meaning in life not through pleasure or power, but through purpose and responsibility (Frankl, 2006). Chalmers’ nighttime images thus become more than photos — they are visual affirmations of attentiveness, purpose, and quiet observation.
12. Challenges and Solutions in Night Photography
Chalmers outlines common obstacles in night photography:
-
Camera shake: Solved with tripods and remote triggers.
-
High ISO noise: Solved by shooting in RAW and using noise reduction tools.
-
Autofocus failure: Solved by manual focus with Live View magnification.
-
Color cast issues: Solved via custom white balance or post-processing adjustments.
He encourages practice and patience, emphasizing that night photography has a steep learning curve but offers immense rewards for those who persevere.
13. Community Influence and Legacy
Chalmers has significantly influenced the Western Cape photography community. His workshops routinely draw beginners and advanced users alike. His public demonstrations of night photography in Cape Town have cultivated a regional culture of learning and sharing.
Through his blog and Canon EOS community, he has inspired photographers across South Africa to explore night scenes with renewed curiosity. His legacy lies not only in his images but in the knowledge he imparts and the confidence he instills in others.
Canon Long Exposure | Night Photography Setup & Tips14. Conclusion
Vernon Chalmers’ night photography is a masterclass in technical discipline, artistic expression, and existential mindfulness. He captures the quiet drama of urban nights with clarity and poise, using long exposures and natural composition to evoke emotion and meaning. More than just a photographer, he is a guide - leading others into the often overlooked but profoundly beautiful world of night. Through his lens and teachings, Chalmers reminds us that even in darkness, there is light worth seeking, capturing, and sharing. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)
15. References
Chalmers, V. (2023). Photography and Logotherapy: Finding Meaning Behind the Lens. Vernon Chalmers Photography Blog.
Chalmers, V. (2024). Canon EOS Training: Night Photography Workshop Materials. Cape Town: Vernon Chalmers Canon Training.
Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Peterson, B. (2010). Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera. New York: Amphoto Books.
Freeman, M. (2007). The Photographer's Eye. Oxford: Focal Press.
16. Report Compiler: ChatGPT 2025
17. Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright