Tips Every Low Light Photographer Needs to Know

Low light photography is not something that professional photographers do at night. Low light photography can be done at different times of the day. Low light photography is set apart by one main element. Low light imagery is done when there is a low level of ambient light. Low light can come from both inside the home and outside.

The Three Levels of Low Light Photography

1) The first type is visible. The low light happens to be in shadows during the day. You can be under a tree. You can be under a bridge. It does not matter. It is left up to the person to make the most of this light.

2) The second type is low light. Low light happens during sunset. Everything around you is visible. Take a step inside. You will see places which are dark.

3) The third type is dark. This is when only the objects with the most light can be seen.

Top 3 Tips

Check all your conditions. What is visible? What is not visible? Our eyes tend to have a much broader range. Professionals who deal in photography call this range “dynamic range”. You may think you have enough light for areas full of shadow. You may not. You may have to adjust the lens. Adjust the camera for blurred imagery. Invest in VR/IS technology. Adjust your ISO settings.

Are you shooting in an area which does not have much light? Decrease your aperture. Adjust your ISO settings. Stay close to your image. Stabilize yourself. Learn how to balance your camera. Try to capture the picture in RAW. It can always be adjusted later.

During sunset be careful of autofocus. Invest in a full frame camera. Invest in a monopod or tripod. The Tripod will give you the lowest noise for your ISO settings. Tripods will bring your shutter speed down.

Use a tripod for night time. Movement counts during the night. It is best to decrease movement as much as possible. Subject too dark? Try using a flashlight. The subject will have more light. You will get a better picture. Get in the habit of using manual focus.

Your setting will need adjusting. Shooting during the day is different than night. Try the infinity setting. It may work. It may not. It all depends on what you are taking a picture of. You can go back and adjust something later. Do not move your tripod once your focus is established. If you do, it’s going to through the whole thing.

Practice Makes Perfect

Keep at it. Do not give up. It is a great time to experiment. See what works and what does not. Low light is a good time to get some amazing pictures, maybe even sell a few pictures. You will find your niche. Your technique is going to improve. Practice is the key to your success.