Low Light Photography

Requirements and Techniques

IntroScandalous Metropolitan, 2008

Shanghai Right Now, 2010

What is low light photography?Low light photography (also referred to as Available light photography) means taking pictures when it’s nearly dark without a flash.

Because all photography relies on light entering the camera, taking pictures is near darkness is extremely difficult. There are however a number of tips to make it easier – and I’ll go over the main ones in this lesson.

Why?Why bother when you have a flash?

•A flash can sometimes be intrusive (for example at a concert)•It’s impossible to light up large areas with a built in flash•A flash can kill the atmosphere in a shot

LANDSCAPES

LANDSCAPES

LANDSCAPES

LANDSCAPES

Landscapes•Perhaps the most common situation•Also the easiest – you can use a tripod•Generally if you are taking a picture of a city there is quite a lot of light

STREETS

STREETS

STREETS

STREETS

Streets•Light can vary •If people are moving it makes it more difficult•If you don’t want to be noticed taking the shot, you have to be quick!

EVENTS

EVENTS

EVENTS

EVENTS

EVENTS

Events•Often a mixture of lights, sometimes very little•Lots of movement•Can be tricky to stay still!

Why is it so hard?A camera relies on light passing through the lens and hitting the sensor (or film) inside. The more light the better.

There are three ways in which the camera controls exposure:

•Aperture•Time•Sensitivity

All of which can usually be adjusted by the user.

Aperture

The aperture is essentially the size of the hole in the lens. By making the hole bigger, more light is let in – allowing the shot to be taken in a darker situation. The aperture depends on the lens, generally the larger the aperture, the more expensive the lens is.

Time

The longer the camera’s shutter is held open, the more light will enter. Usually photos are so fast you don’t notice the shutter opening and closing, but for low light shots it can take a few seconds, minutes or even hours.

Sensitivity (ISO)

A digital camera can control the amplification of the data from its sensor – allowing it to become more sensitive to light. Unfortunately this usually results in ‘noise’ (or ‘grain’ on a film camera).

How Turn the flash off!Time will be the biggest problem. For most shots at night you will have to hold the camera still for longer than is comfortable or easy to prevent blur.

•Practice! The more you try, the easier it is to hold the camera still.

•Use a tripod or find something to place the camera on.

Sensitivity (ISO) can be adjusted to allow for better low light shots. The level to which it can be increased depends on the camera and the user’s taste. More expensive cameras have better sensors.

If you are using a camera with interchangeable lenses you can buy a ‘faster’ lens. This will help, but can get expensive!