I think one of the most tricky times to photograph for most non professional photographers (and even some professionals) is at night, how many times have you been on holiday and really wanted to capture the scene as you come out of the restaurant with disastrous results, lets face it any professional photographer or photography teacher out there will tell you photography is all about light, and this is true but hopefully I can give you a few tips to help you capture something other than a blur at night time.

Lets talk about every day objects like scenery and structures, these tips are also valid for ”low light’ situations…..

Many people consider good night time photography to be a step above the norm, which I guess in part is due to the challenge of it after all the important factor of light is missing, so if you can take a great photograph at night time prepare yourself for may oooohhhs and aaagggghhs as friends and family will be undeniably impressed.

Ok so the first lesser known tip…. Long exposures and the key to success.

So to explain during the day, there is so much light available, the aperture (the cameras eye) only needs to be open say, 1/500th of a second to accumulate all the light needed to produce a high quality sharp photograph.  At night time however there is much less light available, the aperture needs to remain open a much longer time period (from 1/2 to 30 seconds) to accumulate the light needed for a good sharp photograph. In summary slow shutter speed = aperture remains open longer = long exposure and more light into the camera.

However a slow shutter speed brings with it its own problems mainly blur, so you must use a tripod or if you don’t have one of those at the very least you must have a sturdy surface for the camera to sit on, if the camera doesn’t move there is no chance for motion blur but lots of chance to let light in.

So to sum up…. first a long exposure and then a tripod.

Of course when you add something that is moving or a person in the shot the goal posts change but that is a whole new lesson!

So I thought I would share a little tip that I was given some years ago (more than I would care to admit!), to anyone how knows a bit about cameras this may seem like the basic of basic things, but for those of you out there who simply take shots on your snap happy to record the precious moments of life, here is the tip…

The opening of a camera lens where the light is admitted is known as an aperture and the aperture works just the same as the iris in your eye.  When you come inside to a dark place after being in a bright place your iris opens out and vice versa, a camera needs to do the same… the aperture being the iris.

So to get a shot in a low light condition such as a church, open the lens as much as you can and this should help get something that you’re happy with.

Of course I could go on as my trusty Canon 5D has many more features and settings that help me with this, but I wanted to make it short and sweet and hopefully give some of you guests a chance and getting the shot you’re after.

If you do see me at a wedding though don’t be afraid to ask, if you need a tip just tap me on the shoulder and I will be glad to help… although if you could try not tap me just as I’m about to get the bride and groom exchanging rings! )