Getting light right in photography is so important, as most photographers will tell you. Shooting in low light can be tricky, but with the right practice you will get in no time. Here are 6 tips to help you shoot in low light.
Many photographers will say its best take pictures in the morning or afternoon, when the lighting is the softest. These are great tips, but sometimes you may want to shoot during sunset or at an evening event. Follow the tips below to make the best of shooting in low light conditions.
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1. Tripod
With low light, the camera will be more sensitive to any movements, so its best to use a tripod when shooting in low light. This is ideal when you are taking shots that require a long exposure time. Make sure the camera is set up and all the settings are how you want them before putting it on the tripod.
With low light, the camera will be more sensitive to any movements, so its best to use a tripod when shooting in low light. This is ideal when you are taking shots that require a long exposure time. Make sure the camera is set up and all the settings are how you want them before putting it on the tripod.
2. Slow shutter speed
You want to slow down the shutter speed on these shots. A prolonged shutter speed means additional light is going into the lens. This is when using a tripod comes in handy, since slow shutter speeds can lead to camera shake.
You want to slow down the shutter speed on these shots. A prolonged shutter speed means additional light is going into the lens. This is when using a tripod comes in handy, since slow shutter speeds can lead to camera shake.
3. Higher ISO
You want to use a high ISO when shooting in low light. A high ISO number means the camera's light sensor will be more reactive to the light coming in. Using a high ISO might also mean that more noise will show up in the shot. Shoot in RAW so that the picture can be adjusted for noise after the shoot.
You want to use a high ISO when shooting in low light. A high ISO number means the camera's light sensor will be more reactive to the light coming in. Using a high ISO might also mean that more noise will show up in the shot. Shoot in RAW so that the picture can be adjusted for noise after the shoot.
4. Large aperture
You will need to use a large aperture for low light shots. A higher aperture means more light is allowed into the lens. Use a low number, since the lower the number, the higher the aperture (like f/5.6 versus f/18). Play around with the aperture until the lighting is ideal for the shot you are trying to get.
You will need to use a large aperture for low light shots. A higher aperture means more light is allowed into the lens. Use a low number, since the lower the number, the higher the aperture (like f/5.6 versus f/18). Play around with the aperture until the lighting is ideal for the shot you are trying to get.
5. Exposure
Overexpose the camera using the settings on your DLSR. There isn't much light to begin with, so you can get away with more exposure. Use -3 and +3 stops at 1/3 stop groups.
Overexpose the camera using the settings on your DLSR. There isn't much light to begin with, so you can get away with more exposure. Use -3 and +3 stops at 1/3 stop groups.
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6. No pop-up flash
If you are using flash, try to avoid pointing it directly on the subject since the final shot will end up looking too bright and harsh. Use an off-camera flash or bounce the light off an object, such as a door or wall. Using diffusers or being in an area where there is softer light will help as well.
If you are using flash, try to avoid pointing it directly on the subject since the final shot will end up looking too bright and harsh. Use an off-camera flash or bounce the light off an object, such as a door or wall. Using diffusers or being in an area where there is softer light will help as well.