How to Take Good Pictures of Your Neon Sign

Neon signs are vibrant, eye-catching, and perfect for adding a unique glow to your space. But capturing their brilliance in a photograph can be tricky. Getting the right shot requires some technique, whether you’re a business owner showcasing your custom sign or just someone who loves photographing neon signs. Here’s how to master neon sign photography and make your neon glow stand out in every frame.

Understanding the Challenges of Neon Sign Photography

Taking pictures with neon lights comes with a few challenges. Neon emits a bright, saturated glow, which can cause overexposure or unnatural color shifts. Additionally, reflections and glare can be difficult to manage, making it tricky to get a clear shot. However, with the right settings and techniques, you can create stunning pictures of neon that capture its beauty and detail.

Adjust Your Camera Settings for the Best Shot

To get the best neon lighting photography, manual camera settings are key. Here’s what you need to adjust:

• Lower ISO – A lower ISO (100-400) prevents your image from becoming too grainy and helps maintain sharpness.
• Adjust Shutter Speed – Slower shutter speeds (1/30s to 1/10s) allow for a more balanced exposure, making the neon glow appear vibrant but not washed out.
• Set the Right Aperture – A wide aperture (f/1.8 to f/2.8) helps in low-light conditions and adds a beautiful blur to the background.
• Use Manual Focus – Autofocus might struggle with the intense glow of neon signs, so switching to manual focus ensures crisp details.

If you’re using a smartphone, try switching to “Pro Mode” or adjusting the exposure manually for better control over the lighting.

Finding the Perfect Angle and Composition

Composition is everything when capturing photography with neon lights. Play around with different angles to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your neon sign. Here are a few tips:

• Shoot from a Slight Angle – Avoid direct shots to minimize glare and reflections.
  Use Leading Lines – Position the neon sign in a way that guides the viewer’s eye through the image.
• Experiment with Close-Ups – Capture intricate details of the neon tubes to highlight the craftsmanship.
• Frame the Shot Creatively – Incorporate surrounding elements to add depth and context to the picture.

Managing Reflections and Glare

One of the biggest struggles in neon light photography is dealing with reflections. Since neon signs are often placed behind glass or have a glossy finish, reflections can be distracting. To minimize glare:

• Change Your Position – Adjust your angle until the reflections disappear.
• Use a Polarizing Filter – This helps reduce unwanted reflections when using a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
• Shoot at Night – Dim ambient light reduces harsh reflections, making the neon colors pop more vividly.
• Adjust Exposure in Post-Processing – Editing apps like Lightroom or Photoshop allow you to reduce glare and enhance contrast.

Enhancing Your Neon Sign Photos with Editing

Even with the best camera settings, post-processing can take your photography neon shots to the next level. Consider these adjustments:

• Increase Contrast and Saturation – This makes the neon colors richer and more defined.
• Reduce Highlights – Prevents overexposure and ensures the glow looks natural.
• Adjust White Balance – Helps maintain true colors without an unwanted tint.
• Sharpen Details – Enhances the edges of the neon tubes for a crisp look.

There are plenty of mobile apps like Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom Mobile, and VSCO that can help enhance your neon sign photography without requiring professional skills.

Creating Artistic Shots with Neon Signs

Beyond basic pictures of neon lights, neon signs offer a creative playground for artistic photography. Try these ideas:

• Silhouettes and Shadows – Position a subject in front of the sign for a dramatic effect.
• Reflections in Water or Glass – Capture neon reflections for an interesting composition.
• Bokeh Backgrounds – Use a shallow depth of field to create a dreamy neon blur.
• Motion Blur Effects – Combine slow shutter speed with slight movement to create dynamic light trails.

Final Thoughts

Mastering neon light photography takes practice, but with the right techniques, you can capture stunning shots that showcase the beauty of neon signs. These tips will help you bring out the vibrant glow and unique charm of neon lighting, whether you’re shooting for a business, an artistic project, or social media.

So grab your camera, find a neon-lit spot, and start snapping! You’ll be able to create eye-catching photographs with neon lights that truly shine, with a little patience and creativity.