"All the technique in the world doesn't compensate the inability to notice." -Elliott Erwitt
This month the July challenge will be creative. We will be exploring
low light. It should be fun since we will be celebrating the birth of our nation on July 4th...perfect for our low-light challenge.
We, as photographers, know great pictures are all about capturing light. That does not mean you have to stop shooting just because the light starts to disappear. Some of the best, dramatic, moody, and stunning photos are done in very low light situations. Good low light photos takes understanding your exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Most low light situations will be indoors (day or night), or during twilight or predawn hours. Your challenge will be finding a wonderful low light situation, and documenting it. Some ideas for low light situations: photographing the stars, Milky Way, candle light, indoor activities, night scenes, and cityscapes.
Here are a few tips for getting great low light photos.
Use the automatic feature:
Most cameras manufactured now have programs for specific lighting situations: fireworks, night, indoor, etc. All one has to do is put your camera on the specific mode that matches your lighting situation. This would be the easiest method if you do not want to worry about your settings. Your camera will automatically adjust the settings. You pay a lot of money for your camera. You might as well use all its features, and technology.
Use manual mode:
Aperture: because one needs to let as much light in as possible, the aperture needs to be wide open, which means the opening in the aperture is open to its largest capability. It is best to use a lens that has f/2.8 or smaller. If you do not have a lens that goes that low, use your lowest f-stop.
Shutter speed: since lighting is low, it is important to use a long shutter speed. Depending on your lighting situation that may mean below 1/60.
ISO: Crank up the ISO. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera's sensor is to the light hitting it. (Warning: the higher the ISO, the greater the noise, or grain in the photo. Some of the newer high end cameras can tolerate a higher ISO with very little noise)
Use a tripod:
When the shutter speed is lower than 1/60, there is greater possibility for camera shake. We cannot hold a camera steady as such a slow speed. Therefore, it is necessary to use a tripod.
Use the remote trigger, or timer for shutter release:
Because there may be movement of the camera when the shutter release button is pressed, it is wise to use the delayed timer feature on your camera, or a remote release. Refer to the instruction manual if you do not know how to use it.
Rules:
- No Archival photos. All photos MUST be taken between the June and July meetings
- No more than 2 pictures may be submitted
- Any form of media is acceptable: print, CD, thumb drive
- If asked, be able to explain about data (Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO, focal point)
- Explain any special information about the photo...how it was taken, and the post processing.
Here are some examples to help you get your creative juices flowing.
Photographing the stars. This may, or may not require light painting. Make sure if you go out at night, to take someone with you to be safe. Also, be aware of snakes.
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| Bottomless Lakes |
Storms are another wonderful low light situation. Again safety is of utmost importance.
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| By Bitterlakes |
The following photos were taken indoors.
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| Side light |
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| Evening as the sun goes down |
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| Lighting from the small Christmas lights |
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| Lighting from a lamp, and my monitor. |
The golden hours either early morning, or evening are perfect for silhouettes, and drama.
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| Sunrise |
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| Sunset |
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| Sunset |
Evening photos...
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| fair photos |
I hope these photos give you some ideas of subjects and environment for low light photography. Grab a friend, and get out to get your awesome photos. Click!
