Help with Night Photography & Low Light (Canon, 50mm, lenses)

[danameless]

Hi, I am new to photography and having trouble getting a nice picture when there is low light or a night shot. I've tried setting the ISO higher and lowering the aperture but still can't get the shot right, usually it's still darker than I would like or the color is distorted.

Any recommendations or advice on what I am doing wrong?

I am using a Canon XTi with a 17-85MM IS USM Lens.

I do have a speedlight flash, but want to learn to shoot night shots without a flash if possible.

Thanks!

[aurorawatcher]

Open the aperture up not close it down. You want to let light in.

Here are some sites to help you -

http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/c...settings.shtml

http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/light-trails.shtml

http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial-ni...otography.html

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Night-photography

http://photography.about.com/od/nigh...ightPhotog.htm

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by danameless

Hi, I am new to photography and having trouble getting a nice picture when there is low light or a night shot. I've tried setting the ISO higher and lowering the aperture but still can't get the shot right, usually it's still darker than I would like or the color is distorted.

Any recommendations or advice on what I am doing wrong?

I am using a Canon XTi with a 17-85MM IS USM Lens.

I do have a speedlight flash, but want to learn to shoot night shots without a flash if possible.

Thanks!

It's not easy to accomplish on moving subjects, but not hard to do at all for still subjects with the camera mounted on a tripod. For the time being you can set it to Tv mode (shooter priority). Adjust the shutter speed with the dial by your index finger (next to the shutter button), and try a shot to see how it looks. If it needs more time, then adjust the shutter speed further and try again. I have no idea how much the shooter speed can be adjusted on Tv mode on your camera, but around 15 to 30 seconds is normal with most cameras. Keep the ISO speed around 200 or so.

For just low-light situations like a band playing music, dancers, gymnasts and such: in this case you may have to use faster lenses. For example, 50mm or 85mm f/1.4. These are more expensive, but they gather a lot more light.

Keep in mind that if you move your eye away from the eyepiece (viewfinder) when the picture is being taken, stray light can reach the sensor. However, you can always cover the eyepiece with the rectangular piece of black plastic attached to the camera carry strap.
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Search "taking photos of Northern Lights," and you will find detailed instructions on how to do this with your camera on manual mode. Experiment with different shooter speeds. But the best thing I can recommend is a photography guide specifically written for your camera. David D. Bush has several of these manuals written for most Canon cameras. I have one for my 40D that has made the learning process much easier.

[danameless]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

It's not easy to accomplish on moving subjects, but not hard to do at all for still subjects with the camera mounted on a tripod. For the time being you can set it to Tv mode (shooter priority). Adjust the shutter speed with the dial by your index finger (next to the shutter button), and try a shot to see how it looks. If it needs more time, then adjust the shutter speed further and try again. I have no idea how much the shooter speed can be adjusted on Tv mode on your camera, but around 15 to 30 seconds is normal with most cameras. Keep the ISO speed around 200 or so.

For just low-light situations like a band playing music, dancers, gymnasts and such: in this case you may have to use faster lenses. For example, 50mm or 85mm f/1.4. These are more expensive, but they gather a lot more light.

Keep in mind that if you move your eye away from the eyepiece (viewfinder) when the picture is being taken, stray light can reach the sensor. However, you can always cover the eyepiece with the rectangular piece of black plastic attached to the camera carry strap.
-------
Search "taking photos of Northern Lights," and you will find detailed instructions on how to do this with your camera on manual mode. Experiment with different shooter speeds. But the best thing I can recommend is a photography guide specifically written for your camera. David D. Bush has several of these manuals written for most Canon cameras. I have one for my 40D that has made the learning process much easier.

Thanks, I will try it out! I have a 50mm f/1.8, but use my 17-85mm as a walkaround.