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Top Tips for Low Light Photography
Techniques
02 December 2008 09:19
Although at this time of the year the evenings get darker much earlier, this doesn’t mean you should pack up your camera as soon as the sun dips below the horizon. If you’re brave enough to hold out for a few more hours you’ll reap the benefits that can be had from the low light and, even better, there are plenty of subjects to shoot that can look just as impressive (or better!) during the late hours in the day.
Whether it’s landscapes, architecture or portraits that flick your switch, low-light conditions can really test your camera skills and it’s also a great way to start experimenting with your camera’s functions – some of which you may have never used before!
We’re passionate about our low-light photography all year round and think that you should be too, so we’ve compiled five basic pointers to ignite that passion in you. And if you want to take your low-light skills even further, don’t miss the January issue of Digital Photo, featuring low-light techniques that you can try for yourself. The January issue hits the shelves on December 4th.
Five Top Tips for Low-light Photography
1 Prepare for the shoot.
The Boy Scout motto ‘be prepared’ is definitely one to consider before you head out and experiment with low light. As soon as the sun disappears, so does the warmth, and if you’re photographing outdoors it makes sense to wrap up warm with plenty of layers. Put an extra pair of socks in your bag and always ensure you have a hat to hand to insulate your head. And why not pack a thermos for a warm mug of tea or soup – we test a 0.35l flask from Thermos in the January issue’ Digital Photo in our Christmas gift guide on page 114.
2 Take a friend with you.
A close friend or family member can be great company and really handy to help you carry your camera kit. Even better, they can give you a second opinion on your composition!. If you prefer to work alone, always carry a torch and a mobile phone in case you get caught out in a remote location and let someone know where you are going and for how long.
3 Take the correct gear with you.
You’ll be using longer exposures in low-light conditions, but you can prepare for this by packing the relevant equipment. Setting the camera up on a sturdy tripod can prevent camera shake in your shots and allow you to use slower shutter speeds. Rural areas will prove no problem when you need to assemble a tripod but some large city councils require a tripod permit. If you don’t want to take any chances, contact the relevant City or Borough Council in advance. A cable release will stop you jolting the camera as you fire the shutter and will also be handy for when you use the camera’s Bulb mode for exposures that last longer than 30seconds. Check out our video about the benefits of using a cable release, click here.
4 Experiment with your camera’s settings.
Using your camera in low-light situations can be great fun because you can use much slower shutter speeds due to the lack of ambient light pouring through the lens. Using a longer exposure will capture movement through the frame and it’s a popular technique that’s used for creating silky water and light trail effects. Always double-check you’ve lowered your ISO speed setting, to prevent any unwanted digital Noise creeping into your shots. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with flash or additional lighting? These can be used to highlight areas that seem a little dark or to illuminate a particular feature or subject in the scene. You can find out how to take slow-sync flash portraits in the January Issue of Digital Photo, starting on page 38.
5 Take your time and plan ahead.
If you’ve got a particular location in mind that might be suited to a low-light theme, it’s well worth checking it out in advance to see which are the best times to visit. It’s also worth knowing the exact point from which you’re going to be shooting from, so you can assemble your kit quickly on arrival. Arming yourself with valuable information about your location will not only make you a more efficient and organised photographer, but will show through in your low-light shots.
Digital Photo January Issue is on sale from December 4th. If you don’t want to miss another copy, why not take out a subscription in time for Christmas? Click here to find out how…