One of the biggest challenges a photographer faces is shooting in low light. Like all activities, shooting in low light takes skill, patience and practice to master; but with the right equipment and some confidence, you can tackle any lighting situation.
The experience I have had with low light is shooting dress rehearsals for dance shows and theater performances. One plus side to shooting these kinds of events is the lighting is already set up for you. Unless you decide to work behind the scenes, everything is pretty much done for you. However, the part that takes the most skill and patience is being able to adjust your camera settings quickly and accordingly to whatever light is thrown at you. Some performances, dance in particular, could have 10-15 different dance pieces within one show. Each piece could have multiple light cues, which means multiple light sources the photographer must adjust to. That's where things get tricky.
Tip #1: Equipment - Finding a great lens
Without the proper lens, shooting in low light can be difficult. Not impossible, but definitely more challenging. Using the flash is helpful, but blasts away the natural light and replaces it with the generic camera flash. During a performance, the flash distracts the performers on stage and is usually prohibited. To avoid using the flash and getting yelled at, a lens with an f-stop of 2.8 or lower is recommended. With a wider aperture, more light enters the camera, allowing for clearer, sharper images.
Tip #2: Choose a flexible stance
As for many action shots, the dancer/performer might be moving fairly quickly. Try to choose a position that is both comfortable for your body as well as easily adjustable. It might be the first time you're seeing this performance and are unaware as to where the bodies will move on stage. Without causing a ruckus, it's important to find a position where you can easily maneuver your camera, as well as move quickly throughout the space (when necessary).
Tip #3: Adjust quickly and accordingly
Before shooting a performance, I set my lens to the lowest aperture (f.2.8), set the ISO to about 550, with a shutter speed between 60-80. I own a Tamron 17-55mm, which is pretty good for low-light. Any higher (f 3.2, 3.4, etc.) makes it more challenging. (Every lighting situation is different; but with this set up, you at least have a better chance of your first shot not coming out completely dark!)
The lighting will change as quickly and as smoothly as the director/choreographer needs it to. Unfortunately, the photographer doesn't have much control over the pace or set up of the lighting. However the best tool at your disposal is of course, your camera! With the right settings, your camera is what will help you absorb as much light as possible from any given situation.
Tip #4: DO NOT BE AFRAID OF GRAIN!
ISO is always an important tool, especially if you don't have the right lens for low light situations. Don't be afraid to boost up your ISO when you need to! Its better to capture the shot you want with tons of grain than miss the movement completely. Especially if the lens you're using has an f-stop of 3.2 of higher, the ISO and the shutter speed become more important in getting the best exposure you can.
The key to getting a sharp and well exposed action shot is having a balance between the ISO, shutter speed and aperture. With the right lenses, a great eye and flexible positioning, you can handle any low light situation!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Tips for Shooting Action Shots in Low Light
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