How to make neon lights glow – N-Photo 150 video tutorial

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Nikon recently invited N-Photo to its ‘Nikon is the Future’ event at Printworks London, where it showcased some of the best Nikon cameras. This provided us with the chance to play around with a near-complete range of Z-series cameras and lenses in a variety of different studio-portrait setups. One of our favourites was this stunning, neon-lit futuristic scene, arranged by Nikon School Training Manager and occasional N-Photo contributor, Neil Freeman. 

We paired the Nikon Z 6II with two new Z-mount primes: the Z 26mm f/2.8 and Z 85mm f/1.2 S, and set to work alongside model @veebaginski. But while neon lights can be used to create stunning futuristic portraits akin to Blade Runner or Star Trek, they can be tricky to photograph. If you underexpose too much they can often look a little flat, but by using Photoshop’s Gaussian Blur filter and some masking techniques, you can give them a brightness boosting nudge in post-production, without affecting the exposure of the subject. 

Download the project file(s) to your Downloads folder

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N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine is a monthly publication that's entirely dedicated to Nikon users. As a 100% independent magazine, you can be assured of unbiased opinion from a trustworthy team of devoted photography experts including editor Adam Waring and Technique Editor Mike Harris


Aimed at all users, from camera newcomers to working pros, every issue is packed with practical, Nikon-specific advice for taking better photos, in-depth reviews of Nikon-compatible gear, and inspiring projects and exciting video lessons for mastering camera, lens and Photoshop techniques.


Written by Nikon users for Nikon users, N-Photo is your one-stop shop for everything to do with cameras, lenses, tripods, bags, tips, tricks and techniques to get the most out of your photography.