The first step in taking a great photo is usually finding good natural light to illuminate the scene. However, that’s not always possible, like when you’re trying to capture a landmark just after sunset or snap a delicious dish at a dimly lit restaurant. Some cameras allow you to make special adjustments to your exposure for a quick fix, but if you don’t have that option, there are still some basic steps you can take to get better photos in low light situations.
Here are my tips to help improve the photos you take when you have limited available light.
1. Prepare beforehand
Know what kind of light will be at the location before you get there. Check the time of sunset before you head out and aim to take photos before it gets too dark. Getting your photos during the warm light of sunset can be a magical experience if it is timed right!
2. Don’t zoom
Try using your feet instead! If you want to get closer to your subject, move your body closer. When you zoom into your scene, you are actually cropping into your image and the photo will look pixelated when taken in low light.
3. Hold your camera steady while setting your focus and exposure
By holding your camera still when taking a photo, you can prevent your photo from blurring with camera shake. A small tripod can help, but if you don’t have a tripod, brace yourself and your camera against a wall or other solid object. Make sure you are relaxed when holding your camera, as a tense hand can cause camera shake. Tap the screen to set the focus and proper exposure of the image, and finally press the shutter.
4. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake
Some of the best photos are captured by learning from trial and error. When shooting with a smartphone or digital camera, take a few test shots using different techniques to see what results in the best image. Low-light photography can be a fun challenge, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your camera.
5. Use flash only as a last resort
When flash is used, it can cast a harsh light and color on your subject, that is usually different from the surrounding environmental light. Whenever possible, try to only use natural light to illuminate the scene.
Do you enjoy taking photos in low light? Apply these tips on your next low-light photo adventure and share your photos on Google Maps and with others here in Connect in the comments below. We’d love to see your amazing pics!
