How to Get Good Photography Results in Dim Lighting

Use photographic techniques to shoot dimly lit scenes, such as those where flash photography is disallowed.

Dim lighting can be a photographer’s bane, hiding the details of the composition in shadows and making it difficult to capture a well-exposed, sharp photograph of the subject. Of course, the obvious solution is to use the camera’s flash or an external light source to illuminate the scene. If that option is unavailable, there are other techniques that help with dimly lit photographic compositions.

Things You'll Need

• External light source (optional)
• Prime lens (optional)
• Tripod (optional)

Instructions

1. Use the on-camera flash or another light source, such as a slave flash or strobe light. To use an external light source without introducing harsh shadows and lighting into the composition, aim the light off of the ceiling to use it as a bounce flash, or shoot through a light diffuser. If space allows, you can also bounce the light off a light umbrella.

2. Shoot in RAW mode, if your camera supports it. RAW files allow you to make white balance and exposure level changes in post-production without degrading the quality of the image.

3. Use a bigger aperture. A smaller aperture number opens up the lens, allowing more light to be recorded by the image sensor. A small aperture value trades low-light performance for a shallower depth of field.

4. Use a slower shutter speed. If your lens or camera has it available, turn on image stabilization or vibration reduction mode. If the shutter speed is too slow to shoot hand-held, set the camera on a flat, stable surface or use a tripod, if space and time constraints allow.

5. Bump up the ISO. A higher ISO value allows you to shoot with a faster shutter speed, though it may introduce noise into the image, especially in dark areas of the composition.

6. Use a faster lens, such as a fixed prime lens with a large maximum aperture size. Prime lenses typically have a much larger maximum aperture, making them ideal for low-light situations.

References

• “Understanding Photography Field Guide: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera”; Bryan Peterson; 2009
• Digital Photography School; How to Get Better Digital Photos in Low Light Conditions without Using a Flash; Amy Renfrey
• PCWorld; Use ISO To Take Low-Light Photos; Dave Johnson; January 2006