low light/night shooting
By Isaac Chambers
18 March 2008
Low light offers an advantage to photographers who work during the daylight hours and don't like the confinement of flash photography. Low light/no light has its own set of pros and cons. My own shots usually are over exposed. I want every shred of light I can capture and over expose city lights to be sure I catch stars. A few things are important to remember.
1. Wide angle lens is best. Lens filters still work (ultraviolet for reds and green or a darker filter to take away some harsh lights, star pattern filters can make things creative and interesting during Christmas).
2. Take a flashlight (remember it's dark and scary out there).
3. More than a basic camera. Sadly you need a more expensive camera to have the manual feature. Sorry!
4. More than basic camera knowledge (don't wait till you are out in the dark groping, pushing, and rubbing everything on your camera like a bad prom date! Figure it out before you go).
5. Manually set both camera and lens for total control.
6. Set the camera to the lowest aperture (2.8 for me).
7. Use a tripod (be sure it is sturdy/not in the wind).
8. Manually focus on the desired range.
9. Add a filter (I like ultraviolet).
10. Set for the largest photo you can (sometimes cropping is needed on this type of shot so the more you have to work with the better).
11. Make sure built in flash if off (however at dusk a long exposure and a flash pop can make a good shot).
12. I sometimes set the timer to take the picture. I don't want to hold the shutter open. I might cause vibration or bump the camera as I move my hand.
13. Adjust the iso. Start low and work up since noise will increase.
14. Play with different settings. Most lighting shots will be different so experiment.
15. Try angels you usually wouldn't use during the daylight hours. Shadows at night can be cool.
16. Use a flash in your hand to get not only distant city lights but also what's immediately in front of you.
17. Use a flash to also make a ghosting effect.
18. Get chem lights, lighters, candles, cell phones, and sparklers and dance around for an artistic light show. Draw a dog.. a car... a tree a house...,
There are numerous ways to show your creativity and ability. Have some fun!
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