Posts Tagged ‘Low Light Photography’

Posted on January 29, 2012 - by benmullay

Low Light and Night Photography Tips

1. Wrap up warm

This may sound obvious, but if you are dressed for the occasion you will be able to concentrate fully on photography and getting the best shots.

2. Stock up on Storage

Not having a good memory card inside your camera is like having a Ferrari with poor tyres.  Having spent so much money on a digital camera, it doesn’t make sense to skimp on the memory card.

There are only three companies in the world that make digital memory, one of them is Samsung which is my brand of choice.  Using non-branded memory cards is a false economy as these have failed the quality control check at the production line and are then sold off cheap for rebranding.

Samsung digital memory cards are water/dust/shock proof and safe from X-rays and magnetic fields.  They have a very high transfer rate which ensures your camera can perform the way it should.

To purchase Samsung digital memory cards, click here or visit The Camera Centre.

3. Travel Light

Try to minimise the amount of gear you take as you don’t want to get weighed down with camera equipment.  If you’re using a Digital SLR, try to just take one lens as this will force you to be very considered with what images you capture.

4. Charge your Batteries

Make sure all your batteries are fully charged (including a spare set) as at night your battery life can diminish in the colder conditions.

5. Switch to Manual Focus

Autofocus (AF) works best in good light.  If you’re having trouble with AF and you’re not getting sharp pictures, chances are it is in low light situations.  Switching to manual focus should solve the problem.

6. Turn off Image Stabilisation when using a tripod

If your camera is housed on a tripod, and your camera or lens has image stabilisation (IS), switch it off as having IS switched on can actually result in blurry pictures.

7.  Read your manual

Darkness is not the time to be learning where your camera menu settings are located.  Familiarise yourself beforehand with the functions which you will require and know how to access them quickly.

8. Use maximum aperture

If you’re using a Digital Bridge Camera or Digital SLR camera, try putting your camera on Aperture Priority (AV on Canon, A on Nikon) and set to the maximum aperture (smallest number).  This will help you get shutter speeds which you can handhold in low light.

9. Use a high ISO setting

When shooting spectacles such as Up Helly Aa from a distance, your built-in camera flash is not going to be powerful enough to reach your subject.  As a result, turn off your flash and increase the ISO setting on your camera.  This increases the cameras sensitivity to light and will result in higher shutter speeds thus reducing the chance of camera shake.

10.  Shoot, shoot, shoot

Digital memory is relatively inexpensive so take lots of photos – you can always delete them later on.

Good luck and have fun!

Ben

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on November 3, 2011 - by benmullay

The Revellers @ Clickimin

Posted on September 5, 2011 - by benmullay

Oxna Sunset

I had an amazing trip to Oxna yesterday where a brilliant day was finished off perfectly with a beautiful sunset.  Below are a few images I managed to capture.

(click on images for larger view)

Posted on July 27, 2011 - by benmullay

Rock Salt and Nails at Tall Ships Races 2011 – Lerwick

Posted on July 23, 2011 - by benmullay

SCALDIN’ BRAGG AT TALL SHIPS RACES – LERWICK 2011

Posted on July 22, 2011 - by benmullay

The Revellers at Tall Ships Races – Lerwick 2011

Pictured below is a very small selection of images from last night’s phenomenal gig at Holmsgarth, part of the Tall Ships Races 2011 – Lerwick.  Lots more images to follow but here is a taster of The Revellers in action on the main stage.

Posted on June 2, 2011 - by benmullay

Ronas Voe at Sunset 2

Another image from my photo shoot at Ronas Voe.  To view my original post please click here.

-Ben

Posted on May 31, 2011 - by benmullay

Ronas Voe at Sunset

Pictured above is a sunset image I captured recently at Ronas Voe.  Loving the lighter nights, a sign that summer is not far away.

If you would like to purchase this image, please click here.

-Ben

Posted on February 6, 2011 - by benmullay

Up Helly Aa 2011 – Off With Its Head!

I hung around after the crowds had dispersed to capture the head of the galley as it eventually fell to the ground.

This is the final blog post from Up Helly Aa 2011.  I hope you have enjoyed them.  To view all my Up Helly Aa 2011 blog posts in one continuous thread click here and to view my gallery pages click here.

David Gifford has an amusing post on his blog titled ‘Press Gang’ showing me and other fellow local photographers during the day.  He also has some excellent photographs from the event himself.  To view click here.

Well done again to John Hunter and his squad for leading an excellent Up Helly Aa.

-Ben

Posted on February 5, 2011 - by benmullay

Up Helly Aa 2011 – Torch Lights

I must admit this picture was a bit of an accident, but I actually like it!  This picture was taken immediately after the torches were lit before the procession began.  I like the way it emphasises that the only visible light is from the torches as the street lights are killed to add impact to the procession.

-Ben