Low Light Photos were HARD Until I Learned This!

Summary

In this guide, Jason Vong shares essential tips for mastering low-light photography. He covers key settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to help beginners achieve sharp, noise-free images, both handheld and with a tripod. Vong emphasizes the importance of balancing these settings to avoid grainy photos, recommending optimal ISO limits for different camera types. The video also offers practical advice on using prime lenses for better aperture control and explains long exposure techniques for cityscapes. With simple rules and hands-on examples, this tutorial helps viewers confidently improve their low-light photography skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the challenge of low light photography, which often results in mushy and grainy images due to high ISO settings.
• 😀 ISO is crucial for compensating for low light, but high ISO can lead to grainy photos. Aim for ISO 6400 for full-frame cameras and 3200 for APS-C cameras.
• 😀 In manual mode, avoid auto mode's tendency to set the ISO too high for proper exposure.
• 😀 To improve low light images, use the widest aperture (low f-number) to let in more light and lower the need for high ISO.
• 😀 Prime lenses, like f/1.8, help reduce noise significantly by allowing more light into the sensor.
• 😀 Shutter speed is important when shooting handheld in low light. Match the focal length for full-frame cameras or double it for APS-C cameras.
• 😀 A stable hand and appropriate shutter speed settings can yield sharp, low-noise images even in low light conditions.
• 😀 When shooting handheld, prioritize aperture, then shutter speed, and finally adjust ISO for proper exposure.
• 😀 For tripod shots, set ISO to the lowest (ISO 100), aperture to the widest, and adjust shutter speed for exposure. A tripod helps avoid high ISO while capturing detailed images.
• 😀 Long exposure photography is perfect for stationary subjects in low light, but moving subjects will appear blurred or disappear.
• 😀 Post-processing in software like Adobe Lightroom can help clean up any remaining noise, especially when ISO is pushed above 800.

Q & A

What is the main challenge when shooting in low light conditions?

The main challenge is achieving sharp photos without excessive noise or grain. Beginners often struggle with getting clear, noise-free images due to the difficulty of balancing different camera settings.

Why does increasing ISO in low light photography result in noisy images?

Increasing ISO compensates for low light, but as the ISO number increases, the image becomes more prone to noise and grain. This is why it's important to control ISO and avoid pushing it too high.

What is the recommended maximum ISO for beginners using a full-frame camera?

For full-frame cameras, beginners should not go past ISO 6400 to avoid excessive noise, while for APS-C cameras, the recommended maximum ISO is 3200.

How does aperture help in low light photography?

Aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light into the sensor, helping to lower ISO and reduce noise in low light conditions.

What is the difference between a kit lens and a prime lens when shooting in low light?

A kit lens typically has a smaller maximum aperture (e.g., f3.5), while a prime lens has a wider aperture (e.g., f1.8). A prime lens lets in more light, allowing you to use a lower ISO and achieve better low light results.

Why is shutter speed important in handheld low light photography?

Shutter speed determines how long the camera sensor is exposed to light. In low light, a slower shutter speed can help gather more light, but it also increases the risk of motion blur, especially when shooting handheld.

What is the general rule for setting shutter speed when shooting handheld in low light with an APS-C camera?

For APS-C cameras, set the shutter speed to at least double the focal length of your lens. For example, if using a 24mm lens, set the shutter speed to 1/50 seconds.

How can a tripod improve low light photography?

A tripod stabilizes the camera, allowing for longer exposure times without the risk of camera shake. This means you can use slower shutter speeds and lower ISO without sacrificing image sharpness or quality.

What is long exposure photography, and when is it useful in low light conditions?

Long exposure photography involves using a slow shutter speed to capture light over an extended period. It's useful in low light conditions, especially for capturing stationary subjects in cityscapes or landscapes, while moving subjects like people or cars will disappear or leave trails.

What software can help reduce noise in images after raising ISO?

Adobe Lightroom offers a noise reduction feature that can help clean up grainy images, especially those captured with higher ISO settings.