50 Stunning Examples of Cities at Night
Urban Night Photography

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A view of the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral as seen at night, London, United Kingdom. Limited edition fine art prints are available up to 72 inches in width and framed in various wood, metal, and acrylic styles.
A view of the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral as seen at night, London, United Kingdom

Posted in Photography Articles
Text and Images by Andrew Prokos

In my previous articles covering abstract photography and architecture photography I presented no fewer than 50-100 examples of photographs from these genres, with some natural overlap between the two. In this article I present the same number of examples of night photography taken over the span of my twenty-plus year career as a photographer. These images span four categories – Street, Architecture, Cities, and Conceptual:

1. Street Scenes at Night
2. Architecture at Night
3. Cities at Night
4. Conceptual Night Photography
5. Night Photography Technique

Read on below to explore each genre of night photography, from sweeping views of the world’s great cities to close-up details of contemporary architecture and my more conceptual series which employ the use of images taken at night to weave a wider narrative. I include a note on technique at the bottom which explains how I transitioned from shooting film for many years to the digital capture I use today.

Street Scenes at Night

First up we have examples of stunning street scenes in color captured in London and New York. These encompass quite a large span chronologically speaking. The oldest photos being the images from Coney Island, Brooklyn, which were captured on chrome film circa 2005. The latest images of London were all captured via 100 megapixel medium format digital in 2022. Street scenes are a particular animal, but I enjoy shooting them because they are less composed and less formal in general. They convey a sense of spontaneity and dynamism that things like architecture simply cannot.

A street scene showing the Sherlock Holmes Pub at night, London, United Kingdom
A street scene showing the Sherlock Holmes Pub at night, London, United Kingdom
A street scene showing the Crown and Anchor pub and patrons at night, London, United Kingdom. Large-format limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 80 inches in height
A street scene showing the Crown and Anchor pub and patrons at night, London, United Kingdom.
A street view of Leadenhall Market at night, London, United Kingdom. Limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A street view of Leadenhall Market at night, London, United Kingdom. Limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A panoramic view of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall seen at night, London, United Kingdom. Large-scale limited edition prints of this color photo are available up to 120 inches in width.
A panoramic view of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall seen at night, London, United Kingdom. Large-scale limited edition prints of this color photo are available up to 120 inches in width.
A fine art photo of the streets of Rio de Janeiro's Centro Historico at night. Uma visão das ruas do Centro Histórico do Rio de Janeiro à noite..
A fine art photo of the streets of Rio de Janeiro's Centro Historico at night.
A night street scene of the Santa Justa elevator in Lisbon, Portugal. Framed fine art prints of this photo are available up to 50 inches.
A night street scene of the Santa Justa elevator in Lisbon, Portugal
A long-exposure view of visitors in front of Big Ben at night by fine art photographer Andrew Prokos, London, United Kingdom. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 80 inches in height.
A long-exposure view of visitors in front of Big Ben at night by fine art photographer Andrew Prokos, London, United Kingdom.
An ultra high-definition panoramic photo of the signs of New York City's Times Square at night taken with a long exposure. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches wide.
An ultra high-definition panoramic photo of the signs of New York City's Times Square at night taken with a long exposure. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches wide.
A street scene photo of Nathan's Famous restaurant at night in Coney Island, Brooklyn
A street scene photo of Nathan's Famous restaurant at night in Coney Island, Brooklyn
A street scene of a couple looking at the Christmas windows at Bergdorf Goodman on New York's Fifth Avenue at night. Limited edition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 50 inches in width and framed in various wood, metal and acrylic styles. 
A street scene of a couple looking at the Christmas windows at Bergdorf Goodman on New York's Fifth Avenue at night.
A night view of Park Avenue at and the lighted Helmsley Building in Midtown Manhattan at Christmas.
A night view of Park Avenue at and the lighted Helmsley Building in Midtown Manhattan at Christmas.
A photo of the decorated facade of Harry Winston Jewelers on New York's Fifth Avenue at night during Christmas.
A photo of the decorated facade of Harry Winston Jewelers on New York's Fifth Avenue at night during Christmas.

Architecture at Night

Over the course of the last twenty years I have had the opportunity to photograph a lot of striking contemporary architecture and beautiful historic buildings at night. Below are examples from some of my favorites from NYC, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Rio de Janeiro, and Denver, Colorado. Why shoot them at night you might ask? Well, typically these buildings are located in challenging areas with high foot traffic during the day. Shooting at night allows me to have a respite from the onslaught of people who are in the way, and more than that, it allows me to portray the building with a completely different type of illumination than one finds during the day. The long exposure times and interior light which emanates from these buildings creates jewel-like tones and and an inner glow that has always attracted me as a photographer. I have always said that New York City, for example, is far more beautiful at night than it ever could be during the day. The long exposure time needed to capture these scenes contributes to bathing the entire scene in a non-directional light which I find very appealing as an artist.

A view of Battersea Power Station reflected in a decorative pool at night, London, United Kingdom. High-definition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A view of Battersea Power Station reflected in a decorative pool at night, London, United Kingdom. High-definition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A view of the facade and smokestacks of Battersea Power Station at night, London, United Kingdom. High-definition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A view of the facade and smokestacks of Battersea Power Station at night, London, United Kingdom.
An upward looking view of the Willis Building skyscraper at night, in the City of London. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height and framed in various styles. 
An upward looking view of the Willis Building skyscraper at night, in the City of London.
A night view of the modern towers of the City of London, including 30 St. Mary Axe (Swiss Re Building, aka the Gherkin), the Lloyd's Building, and Willis Towers. High-definition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A night view of the modern towers of the City of London, including 30 St. Mary Axe (Swiss Re Building, aka the Gherkin), the Lloyd's Building, and Willis Towers.
A striking close-up architectural view of 30 St. Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin) building at night, London, United Kingdom
A striking close-up architectural view of 30 St. Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin) building at night, London, United Kingdom
Exterior of the Denver Art Museum at night, Colorado.
Exterior of the Denver Art Museum at night, Colorado.
Exterior view of the Denver Art Museum at night, Denver, Colorado
Exterior view of the Denver Art Museum at night, Denver, Colorado
A view of the exterior of the UAE Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo at night, by architect Santiago Calatrava. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in width
A view of the exterior of the UAE Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo at night, by architect Santiago Calatrava. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in width
A view of the Russia Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo as seen at night. The innovative curved pavilion design was by SPEECH Tchoban & Kuznetsov. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 60 inches.
A view of the Russia Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo as seen at night. The innovative curved pavilion design was by SPEECH Tchoban & Kuznetsov.
A close-up architectural detail of the curved stainless steel banded facade at the ALIF - Mobility Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo captured at night. Large-scale fine art prints of this fine art architectural photo are available up to 60 inches.
A close-up architectural detail of the curved stainless steel banded facade at the ALIF - Mobility Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo captured at night.
A view of the colonnade at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night, reflected in a pool. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Limited edition fine art prints of this photo are available framed in various wood, metal, and acrylic styles. 
A view of the colonnade at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night, reflected in a pool. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
A view of Rockefeller Center's Atlas statue and St. Patrick's Cathedral at night, New York City.
A view of Rockefeller Center's Atlas statue and St. Patrick's Cathedral at night, New York City.
A long-exposure cityscape photo of Radio City Music Hall at night, New York City
A long-exposure cityscape photo of Radio City Music Hall at night, New York City
A fine art photo of the exterior of Grand Central Station at night, New York City
A fine art photo of the exterior of Grand Central Station at night, New York City
A view of the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro at night. Uma visão do Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro à noite.
A view of the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro at night. Uma visão do Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro à noite.
A view of the Palacio Tiradentes of Rio de Janeiro at night. Uma visão do Palácio Tiradentes do Rio de Janeiro à noite.
A view of the Palacio Tiradentes of Rio de Janeiro at night. Uma visão do Palácio Tiradentes do Rio de Janeiro à noite.
A large-format color photo of Westminster Abbey's west entrance as seen at night, London, United Kingdom. Limited edition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height and framed in various wood, metal and acrylic styles.
A large-format color photo of Westminster Abbey's west entrance as seen at night, London, United Kingdom.
A wide angle view of the ornate gothic facade and rose window of Westminster Abbey's north transept at night, by night photographer Andrew Prokos
A wide angle view of the ornate gothic facade and rose window of Westminster Abbey's north transept at night, by night photographer Andrew Prokos

Cities at Night

Last, but certainly not least, we have stunning examples of cityscapes and skylines from various cities around the world, including; New York City, London, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, Washington DC, Seattle, Chicago and others. These cityscapes are captured at extremely high resolutions and are often the product of merging numerous long-exposure night images into one large image. If you think that sounds laborious you;d be correct, it is…extremely. This type of work requires a certain mentality and fortitude on the part of the photographer…night photographers tend to like to work alone, and they don’t mind the hardship of bitter cold or the vulnerability of being left wide open with your expensive camera equipment in isolated places where nobody can help you if something happens. We are a tough breed.

A long-exposure photo of the Lower Manhattan skyline and World Trade Center in New York City at night. Large-scale framed prints of this high-definition photo are available up to 120 inches in width. 
A long-exposure photo of the Lower Manhattan skyline and World Trade Center in New York City at night. Large-scale framed prints of this high-definition photo are available up to 120 inches in width. 
A high-definition panoramic cityscape capturing a wide angle view of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building, and the Tribute in Light as seen from Rockefeller Center at night, New York City. Captured on the 20th Anniversary of September 11th on 9/11/2021. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches in width.
A high-definition panoramic cityscape capturing a wide angle view of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building, and the Tribute in Light as seen from Rockefeller Center at night, New York City.
A panoramic skyline of New York City, Hudson Yards, and the Empire State Building at night as seen from Hoboken, NJ
A panoramic skyline of New York City, Hudson Yards, and the Empire State Building at night as seen from Hoboken, NJ
A high-definition cityscape view of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai at night. Large-format prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches.
A high-definition cityscape view of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai at night. Large-format prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches.
A large format photograph of the view of the Burj Khalifa and towers of Downtown Dubai at night as seen from Dubai Business Bay by photographer Andrew Prokos
A large format photograph of the view of the Burj Khalifa and towers of Downtown Dubai at night as seen from Dubai Business Bay by photographer Andrew Prokos
A large format photograph of the view of the tall towers of Dubai Marina at night by photographer Andrew Prokos
A large format photograph of the view of the tall towers of Dubai Marina at night by photographer Andrew Prokos
A panoramic photograph of the colorful illuminated fountains of Trafalgar Square, London, at night. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches.
A panoramic photograph of the colorful illuminated fountains of Trafalgar Square, London, at night. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches.
An ultra high-definition skyline of the London Eye, Jubilee Bridge and reflections of city lights on the Thames River at night, London, United Kingdom. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 200 inches in width and framed in acrylic and metal styles.
An ultra high-definition skyline of the London Eye, Jubilee Bridge and reflections of city lights on the Thames River at night, London, United Kingdom. Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 200 inches in width and framed in acrylic and metal styles.
A high-definition panoramic cityscape of Chicago, Willis Tower and Lake Michigan at night, taken from the top of Hancock Center. Available as large-scale limited edition prints 150+ inches in width.
A high-definition panoramic cityscape of Chicago, Willis Tower and Lake Michigan at night, taken from the top of Hancock Center. Available as large-scale limited edition prints 150+ inches in width.
A high-definition panoramic skyline photo of Seattle, Washington at night. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches in width.
A high-definition panoramic skyline photo of Seattle, Washington at night. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches in width.
A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro at night from the Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain).
A panoramic photograph of Rio de Janeiro at night from the Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Large-format fine art prints of this photo are available up to 150 inches wide.
An ultra high-definition panoramic skyline photograph of Toronto, Canada at night. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available in sizes up to 120 inches wide.
An ultra high-definition panoramic skyline photograph of Toronto, Canada at night. Large-scale fine art prints of this photo are available in sizes up to 120 inches wide.

Conceptual Night Photography

In this section I present night photography of a more conceptual nature. What does ‘conceptual’ mean in this context? The images are taken from series which have an overarching concept driving the creation of the images. In my series ‘Multiplicity‘ I capture multiple angles of the subject at night and merge the myriad 100 megapixel images into one scene. In the series ‘Archistracts‘ I mirror 100 megapixel scenes taken at night in ways which make them come to life and entirely different visual objects. In ‘Night and Day‘ I depict the transition of time by capturing the scene during a long span of the day and into night and merge the numerous images into one scene.

Night and Day is perhaps the most demanding of the series as it often requires capturing dozens of high-resolution images from the exact same spot during the course of a long period of time. The camera and tripod cannot be moved even a centimeter during that time. Often these conceptual series take a bit of time to truly understand what is happening in the image, they are not as direct and approachable as the other images of street scenes, architecture and cityscapes presented above. Conceptual work requires a rigorous and demanding workflow, but the resulting photographs are often well worth the time, skill, and patience required to complete the series over months or years.

A panoramic skyline photo of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan transitioning from day to night, from Andrew's Prokos's photography series 'Night & Day'.
A panoramic skyline photo of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan transitioning from day to night, from Andrew's Prokos's photography series 'Night & Day'.
A cityscape photo of the Acropolis and Monastiraki neighborhood of Athens, Greece transitioning from day to night, from Andrew's award-winning Night and Day series.
A cityscape photo of the Acropolis and Monastiraki neighborhood of Athens, Greece transitioning from day to night, from Andrew's award-winning Night and Day series.
A multiple-exposure view of the Lloyd's Building in London at night, from Andrew's series "Multiplicity". Composed of multiple exposures of the scene layered to form a larger impressionistic final image. Limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A multiple-exposure view of the Lloyd's Building in London at night, from Andrew's series "Multiplicity". Composed of multiple exposures of the scene layered to form a larger impressionistic final image. Limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 72 inches in height.
A multiple-exposure view of the iconic Gherkin tower in London, UK at night, from Andrew's conceptual photography series "Multiplicity". Limited edition fine art prints available up to 96 inches in height and framed in various wood, metal, and acrylic styles.
A multiple-exposure view of the iconic Gherkin tower in London, UK at night, from Andrew's conceptual photography series "Multiplicity".
A multiple-exposure view of the iconic Shard tower in London, UK at night, from Andrew's conceptual photography series "Multiplicity". Composed of multiple exposures of the scene layered to form a larger impressionistic image. Limited edition fine art prints available up to 96 inches.
A multiple-exposure view of the iconic Shard tower in London, UK at night, from Andrew's conceptual photography series "Multiplicity".
A panoramic view of Trafalgar Square, London and Nelson's Column at night captured with multiple-exposure photography technique from Andrew's conceptual photography series 'Multiplicity'. Composed of multiple 102mp captures taken from varying perspectives and layered to form a dynamic composition. Limited edition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches in width and framed in various wood, metal, and acrylic styles.
A view of Trafalgar Square, London and Nelson's Column at night captured with multiple-exposure photography technique from Andrew's conceptual photography series 'Multiplicity'. Composed of multiple 102mp captures taken from varying perspectives and layered to form a dynamic composition.
A multiple-exposure view of Piccadilly Circus, London at night from Andrew's photography series "Multiplicity". Limited edition fine art prints of this photo are available up to 120 inches in width and framed in various wood, metal, and acrylic styles.
A multiple-exposure view of Piccadilly Circus, London at night from Andrew's photography series "Multiplicity".
A multiple-exposure view of the fountains of Trafalgar Square, London at night from Andrew's photography series 'Multiplicity'. The pool reflects buildings on the square, including the National Portrait Gallery, and a pair of lovers is captured sitting at the edge of the pool in an embrace.
A multiple-exposure view of the fountains of Trafalgar Square, London at night from Andrew's photography series 'Multiplicity'
A striking architectural abstract photo in shades of violet, based on reflections of contemporary architecture in London, UK. Large-scale limited edition prints of this photo are available up to 96 inches in height
A striking architectural abstraction in shades of violet from Andrew's series 'Archistracts'. Large-scale prints of this photo are available up to 96 inches in height

A Note on Night Photography Technique

There is definitely some overlap between these genres…the night photo of the Millennium Bridge in London above is both architecture and cityscape…but wait there are people as well, is it a street scene? The edges of these broad categories will overlap from time to time. While I don’t intend for this article to be a how-to or a primer on night photography, I should point out that the older images were captured on medium format (6×4.5cm) or panoramic (6x17cm) chrome film at ISO 50 or 100. I rarely used negative film for color work, and certainly not at night. Negative film is better at capturing the extremes of contrast during the day, but at night chrome film really shines. It has less latitude in terms of exposure, but the film grain is minimal and the details are razor sharp.

Almost all of my night photography after 2016 or so is captured digitally. It was a big shift for me in terms of workflow. Rather than shooting one big chrome which captured the entire scene I had to switch to capturing multiple long-exposure images. Yes, you could see the results on the spot, but the amount of time dedicated to completing one entire image was now 9-10X what it used to be. On the other hand, there was not scanning and spotting images involved…what liberation that was! Ultimately I think the jump from film to digital made my work a bit easier and my images were better than what I had captured on film. But I still have to access my film photography archive all the time as customers are still purchasing the images I shot years ago on film and blissfully unaware of the difference.

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