I recently received a request from a reader asking about some tips for taking photos in situations of low light, particularly when flash or tripods are not able to be used. Standards tips for this type of photography would be to use a fast lens. With lenses such as the 50mm f1.8 being so cheap, this is an easy solution. Other options usually include using an image stabilized lens, which, although more expensive, can give an extra 3-4 stops. Modern DSLRs boast excellent high ISO abilities with low noise – shooting in RAW at ISO1600-6400 can produce images that are easily acceptable for most peoples needs.  A further option is to rest the camera on some kind of support, be it a wall, box, chair or whatever. Not as good as a tripod but often a viable option. These tips are all commonly given and work well.

Oftentimes however, there’s another easy option, especially when there’s a willing subject, that can help improve the light of a photograph. Consider the photo below of Selina. Before you scroll past it to continue reading, spend a few moments trying to work out how it was lit. It did have a high ISO, in this case 3200, but I used a 70-200mm lens at f4 with a shutter speed of 1/125.  This is a straight RAW conversion without any Photoshop editing.

Selina shot at f4 1/200 ISO3200

So how is it lit? I didn’t use a flash, but the observant amongst you will notice that there is a catchlight in her eyes, so the light must be coming from somewhere. I did give the ambient lighting a little bit of help. Here’s another version but without the help I gave it.

Selina in the dark

We can see that it was very dark in this room. This used the same settings as the first image, that is ISO3200 f4 and a 1/125 shutter speed. The trick in this case was sitting on the table in front a me. Take a look.

Selina holding a napkin as an improvised reflector. ISO3200 f4 1/125

This was taken between sets at the BoPoMoFo gig last weekend. A paper napkin/serviette that was on the table made for a quick and easy DIY reflector which bounced enough light back into Selina’s face to make the shot work. The light is just the regular ceiling lights over the table.

So there you have it. Take a look around you next time you’re shooting photos in a dark environment. You never know what a difference it could make.

I hope this little tip is useful to some of you. If it is, drop a note in the comments and share it with your friends. I’d especially like to hear from anyone who guessed what was used before they saw the answer.

As a reminder to anyone interested, I’m still taking bookings for Light Your World lighting workshop. It’s only NT$2000 if you book and pay before the end of the month. There aren’t many places left, so get in quick. Thank you.