Low Light Photography Tips: How to Take Great Photos in Dim Lighting

Written By Pete DeSimas

Low light photography can be challenging because of limited lighting, which often leads to blurry, noisy, or underexposed images. However, with the right techniques, camera settings, and tools, you can capture stunning photos in low-light conditions, whether you're shooting indoors, at night, or in a dimly lit environment.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master low light photography.

1. Use a Wide Aperture

The aperture determines how much light enters the lens. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to reach the camera sensor.

  • How to Set It:

    • Use a lens with a wide maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2.8).

    • Switch to Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av) or Manual Mode (M) to control the aperture.

  • Why It Helps:

    • A wide aperture lets in more light, making it easier to expose the photo correctly in dim conditions.

    • It also creates a shallow depth of field, isolating your subject by blurring the background.

2. Slow Down the Shutter Speed

The shutter speed controls how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Slowing it down allows more light to enter.

  • How to Set It:

    • Use Shutter Priority Mode (S or Tv) or Manual Mode (M) to adjust the shutter speed.

    • Start with a speed of 1/30s or slower, depending on the scene.

  • Why It Helps:

    • Longer exposures allow more light to reach the sensor, brightening the image.

  • Important Tip:

    • Slow shutter speeds can lead to motion blur if the camera or subject moves. Use a tripod to stabilize the camera, or ask your subject to stay still.

3. Increase the ISO

ISO controls the camera's sensitivity to light. Raising the ISO brightens the photo in low-light conditions.

  • How to Set It:

    • Use Auto ISO to let the camera adjust ISO as needed, or manually set it (e.g., ISO 800, 1600, or higher).

  • Why It Helps:

    • Higher ISO settings amplify the available light, making the image brighter without needing additional exposure time.

  • Keep in Mind:

    • High ISO can introduce noise (graininess) in your photos. Modern cameras handle high ISO better, and noise can often be reduced in post-processing.

4. Use a Tripod

A tripod is essential for low light photography, especially when using slower shutter speeds.

  • Why It Helps:

    • Stabilizes the camera, eliminating blur caused by hand movement.

    • Allows for long exposures without shaking.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Use a remote shutter release or your camera’s self-timer to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

5. Enable Image Stabilization

If you’re shooting handheld, image stabilization (IS) can help reduce blur caused by camera shake.

  • Where to Find It:

    • Many cameras and lenses have built-in stabilization. Look for settings labeled IS, VR (vibration reduction), or IBIS (in-body image stabilization).

  • When to Use:

    • Enable stabilization when hand-holding the camera in low light. Turn it off when using a tripod.

6. Use a Fast Lens

A fast lens has a wide maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8), which is ideal for low light photography.

  • Why It Helps:

    • Fast lenses allow more light to enter, enabling brighter images and faster shutter speeds.

  • Examples:

    • Prime lenses like 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4.

    • Zoom lenses like 24-70mm f/2.8.

7. Add Light if Possible

If the ambient light is insufficient, consider adding your own light source.

  • Use a Flash:

    • A flash can brighten your subject, but use it sparingly to avoid harsh shadows or overexposed areas.

    • Bounce the Flash: Aim the flash at a ceiling or wall to diffuse the light for a softer effect.

  • Use a Continuous Light Source:

    • LED panels, smartphone flashlights, or portable lights can provide extra illumination without overwhelming the scene.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Use natural light from windows, candles, or streetlights creatively for mood and ambiance.

8. Use Manual Focus

Autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions, especially with low-contrast scenes. Switching to manual focus ensures sharp results.

  • How to Use It:

    • Turn the focus ring on your lens while observing the scene through the viewfinder or live view.

    • Use focus peaking (if available) to highlight areas that are in focus.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Use the camera’s focus magnification feature to fine-tune the focus on your subject.

9. Experiment with Long Exposures

Long exposure photography is perfect for creative low-light shots, such as cityscapes, night skies, or light trails.

  • How to Set It:

    • Use a shutter speed of several seconds or longer.

    • Stabilize the camera with a tripod.

  • Examples:

    • Capture star trails or the Milky Way.

    • Blur moving water for a silky effect.

    • Create light trails from passing cars.

10. Shoot in RAW Format

RAW files retain more image data than JPEGs, giving you greater flexibility during editing.

  • Why It Helps:

    • You can recover shadow details, reduce noise, and adjust exposure more effectively in post-processing.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or free tools like Darktable to process RAW images.

11. Adjust White Balance

Artificial light sources (e.g., tungsten, fluorescent) can create color casts in your photos. Correcting white balance ensures accurate colors.

  • How to Set It:

    • Use the Auto White Balance (AWB) setting for general use.

    • Manually adjust to match the light source (e.g., Tungsten, Fluorescent, or Kelvin).

  • Pro Tip:

    • You can fine-tune white balance during editing if you shoot in RAW.

12. Use Reflective Surfaces

Take advantage of reflective surfaces like water, glass, or shiny floors to bounce light back into your scene.

  • Why It Helps:

    • Reflective surfaces can make dimly lit scenes appear brighter and add artistic effects.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Position your subject near a reflective surface to create an interesting composition or highlight details.

13. Reduce Camera Shake

Camera shake can ruin sharpness in low-light photos. Here’s how to avoid it:

  • Use a Remote Shutter or Timer:

    • Trigger the shutter remotely or use a 2-second timer to avoid vibrations when pressing the shutter button.

  • Mirror Lock-Up (for DSLRs):

    • Reduces internal camera movement caused by the mirror flipping up.

14. Learn Light Painting

Light painting involves using a light source (e.g., flashlight, LED) to “paint” parts of the scene during a long exposure.

  • How to Do It:

    • Set a long exposure (e.g., 10 seconds or more).

    • Move the light source across the scene to illuminate specific areas.

  • Why It’s Fun:

    • Adds creative lighting effects and enhances detail in dark scenes.

15. Practice Patience

Low light photography often requires trial and error to get the right shot. Be patient and take multiple shots to improve your results.

  • Pro Tip:

    • Review your photos on the camera’s screen by zooming in to ensure sharpness and proper exposure.

Quick Reference Settings for Low Light Photography

Setting Recommended Value

Mode Aperture Priority (A/Av) or Manual (M)

Aperture Wide (e.g., f/1.8 to f/2.8)

Shutter Speed 1/30s or slower (use tripod if needed)

ISO Start with ISO 400-800; raise as needed

Focus Mode Manual Focus or Single Point Autofocus

File Format RAW

Conclusion

Low light photography can be tricky, but by mastering your camera settings, using stabilization tools, and leveraging available light creatively, you can capture stunning images in dim conditions. Experiment with these tips, practice different techniques, and use post-processing to enhance your photos further. With time and experience, low light photography will become one of your favorite challenges to conquer!

Pete DeSimas
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