View Full Version : Taking photographs in complete darkness?
SidewinderINC
14-04-2008, 18:23
OK, now I know the answer is "use a flash" but I'm after some more information on taking indoor pictures that will come out well / not looking like a flash was obviously used (if that makes sense) in complete darkness.
I don't have a flashgun yet, so will have to invest in one definitely.
Is there anything else that would be essential other than a flash for stuff like this?
Cheers
Matt :)
Up the ISO. Get a faster lens, like f/2.8 or f/1.4. Shoot near the windows too.
SidewinderINC
14-04-2008, 18:41
well the Sigma 2.8 that I spoke with you about will be my lens at the time (can't afford the L glass and wouldn't want to risk taking it where I'll be shooting anyway)
Near windows might be an issue, but I can probably shoot in the direction of windows :p
/secretive mode/
Chuckles
14-04-2008, 19:11
If you don't want to make it look like a flash was used, get a defuser as well ;)
The other alternative of course is a tripod and long exposure :p
bounce it off a ceiling, wall, someone, just don't fire it directly at the subject as it's not natural. Just think, your eye balls don't emit light do that? :p
SidewinderINC
14-04-2008, 19:25
If you don't want to make it look like a flash was used, get a defuser as well ;)
The other alternative of course is a tripod and long exposure :p
How good are monopods?
Want to be travelling light/compact.
well the Sigma 2.8 that I spoke with you about will be my lens at the time (can't afford the L glass and wouldn't want to risk taking it where I'll be shooting anyway)
Near windows might be an issue, but I can probably shoot in the direction of windows :p
/secretive mode/
I smell urbex......
Even if that's not the case, a lot of urbexers shoot in complete darkness and use long exposures coupled with light painting using torches to show the detail.
SidewinderINC
14-04-2008, 20:27
My My miss Vix.. I bet you can smell a rat from a mile away too :p
My My miss Vix.. I bet you can smell a rat from a mile away too :p
They don't smell :p
SidewinderINC
15-04-2008, 07:43
They don't smell :p
My point exactly!!!
How good are monopods?
Want to be travelling light/compact.
Narh.
If its too dark, use a flash or a tripod, just bump up the ISO.
SidewinderINC
15-04-2008, 19:29
Narh.
If its too dark, use a flash or a tripod, just bump up the ISO.
Right, can people spec me a compact tripod then :D Not too pricey, but obviously sturdy enough :p
I'm after a tripod anyways, but will see if I can borrow a flashgun for the trip.
Get a faster lens, like f/2.8 or f/1.4. Shoot near the windows too.
What does that actually mean? Does that mean it can run a wide aperture at high shutter speeds? Useful in low light conditions right, because it can get a lot more light in, in less time?
On a tripod for example you could just set the aperture as low as it goes and hold the shutter open on the bulb. Same thing?
Basically the smaller the number the more light it'll let in. If memory serves the addition of 1 stop lets in twice as much light. You could put it on a tripod and do a long exposure. If you're looking to capture the detail in an empty room thats probably a better thing to do. f/8, long exposure.
Yes, a stop difference is either half/double depending on which way you go.
That applies to Aperture, Shutter Speeds and ISO.
I smell urbex......
my first thought too :p
SidewinderINC
19-04-2008, 15:31
Just picked up a nifty fifty from TP for... fifty :p
That should be fast enough, just need a pod now.
Tysonator
26-04-2008, 07:42
The sigma 17-70mm F2.8 - F4.5 DC MArco lens is pretty good for low light.
I use a Slick Tri Pod, got for about £35. It is light and compact, I will get you the model number if you wish to check it out ?
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