TECH TIPS

Capturing in difficult Lighting

Capturing beautiful images in challenging lighting conditions can be difficult. Below you’ll find a series of tips exploring ways to troubleshoot, as well as pro-level techniques for difficult lighting scenarios.

Minimum low light settings

f5.6

Aperture

Use an aperture at 5.6 or higher, in order to retain objects in focus. A lower aperture is okay for detail shots only.
1/100s

Shutter speed

Avoid motion blur. Try to keep above 1/100s for handheld shots. Lower shutter speeds result in more light, but risk motion blur.
2000

ISO

Beware of ISO noise. It’s okay to go past 2000 ISO if your camera doesn’t create noise. However, it’s different camera to camera.
Manual

White balance

Set your white balance to manual. And always photograph in RAW for maximum editing flexibility.

When flash isn’t needed

Below are a few instances where using a flash may not be conducive to the space/activity.
Bar scene featuring vibrant neon signage, bottles neatly arranged on shelves, and red-lit counters. The atmosphere reflects a trendy, casual nightlife setting.
If ambient light is important to the activity
A vibrant wall filled with colorful religious decor, including crosses, hearts, and a Virgin of Guadalupe centerpiece, with two people seated at a tiled table enjoying drinks.
When the existing light is sufficient and doesn’t cause negative color casts
Casual dining ambiance with two people toasting with cocktails, surrounded by vibrant decor including vintage posters and photographs on a brightly lit wall.
If the space is too small for flash
A comedian performs on stage in a dimly lit venue with warm orange lighting, surrounded by an attentive audience seated at tables with drinks and decorations.
If flash is disruptive to the activity

When flash is helpful

You will encounter a myriad of location types, and lighting scenarios. You wont always be able to account for everything, but having a couple fast rules for the types of lighting to use flash in, can help mitigate some of the troubleshooting. Below are a few of the types of scenarios you might encounter when using supplemental lighting can be beneficial:
Two individuals standing on a balcony with scenic mountains, lush greenery, and cloudy skies in the background, highlighting the lighting of an outdoor setting.

High contrast

Activities set in high contrast lighting scenarios, where you need to manage the bright sky with harsh shadows.
A martial arts training session in a gym, featuring two people sparring under intense lighting conditions, emphasizing movement and contrast.

Dark indoor spaces

Activities positioned away from windows or doors. Photographing at windows, creating backlit subjects.
An artistic space with white chairs shaped like hands arranged near tables, a glowing neon heart, and geometric wall designs in low light.

Moody lighting

Bars, performance venues, art installations, spaces with neon signs.
Three people stand outdoors on a scenic overlook at night, with a brightly lit cityscape and river visible in the background.

Evening & night time

Outdoor or indoor evening experiences. Diminishing ambient light, changing colors.

Lighting types

On-camera (direct) flash

An on-camera flash mounts directly on your camera and points light straight at the subject. It’s fast, portable, and works well in small or low-light spaces. On its own, it can create harsh shadows and a noticeable “flash look,” but using a diffuser or small softbox helps soften the light. This setup is best for quick, mobile shoots, night scenes, or situations where speed and simplicity matter most.
A small group of people in a warmly lit bar with lush greenery and mirrors, discussing or reviewing papers around a table.

Bounce flash

Bounce flash works by aiming the flash at a ceiling or wall so the light reflects back onto the subject. This creates softer, more natural-looking light and reduces harsh shadows. It works best indoors with light-colored walls or ceilings. Bounce flash is ideal when you want clean, flattering light without the obvious look of direct flash.
A lively indoor party scene with groups of people conversing near a table set up for a drinking game, illuminated by colorful neon lights against brick walls.

Off-camera flash / strobes

Off-camera flashes or strobes are placed away from the camera using stands or triggers, giving you full control over light direction and intensity. This setup allows for more polished, professional results and better control of shadows. It’s best suited for staged shoots, complex lighting setups, or situations where you want maximum creative control.
A bustling alley illuminated by hanging lanterns at night, with people gathered near traditional Japanese eateries and vibrant signage.

Successful flash examples

Using a flash can slow down your photographing process, so it’s important that you slow down the host to your pace, so that you can capture all the main themes on the shotlist. Working with a flash can produce unpredictable results, so keep an eye out that the images aren’t being over exposed.

Indoor (low light)

When capturing indoors, you’ll need to experiment with the best lighting for the space.
A dimly lit staircase covered in vibrant graffiti, posters, and street art, with two people descending the stairs, one wearing a bright pink beanie and the other in a gray hat.
A close-up of a hand pouring red wine into a glass on a table set for dinner in a low-light indoor setting.
Two people dance in a brightly lit room with wooden floors and wall hooks holding bags and hats. Others sit on the floor watching.
A person carefully reaching for a block from a wooden stackable game on a table in a dimly lit indoor setting, with drinks visible nearby.

Moody Lighting

When working with colorful lights, colorful walls, neon lighting, etc., you’ll want to balance the existing moody light, with the fill flash. The goal isn’t to over power the existing light, but rather to support it, while maintaining the fun ambiance.
Interior of a creative space featuring eclectic artwork, including murals, framed art, neon signage, and lush greenery. A mix of colorful lighting and decor creates a playful ambiance.
Shelves filled with diverse liquor bottles, glowing under neon and ambient lighting, emphasizing the rich colors and intricate bottle designs.
A cozy setting in a bar with colorful walls, neon lighting, and vibrant decorations. Drinks are on the table as patrons enjoy a casual conversation in the warm, atmospheric light.
Close-up of a person stirring a pink drink in a glass, set against a backdrop of colorful moody lighting with blurred red and blue hues.

Outdoor (evening)

You often need to rely on direct flash, or off-camera flash when working in outdoor settings. If the activity is stationary, you can consider setting up an off camera flash. If you’re on the go, it may make more sense to use an on-camera flash.
A cozy bar scene at night, with a bartender crafting a drink under a chalkboard menu displaying cocktails, shots, and beer prices. The bar shelves are lined with bottles of liquor, surrounded by hanging plants, neon signs, and chalk art.
In low evening light, a person prepares drinks at a bar, using a jigger and surrounded by cocktail shakers and bottles.
Nighttime city street scene with a small group of people interacting under artificial lighting. The surrounding area features illuminated signs and buildings, emphasizing the urban evening environment.
Close-up of a person fastening a bright pink wristband labeled 'Human Elite Night Club' onto someone’s wrist, with dim evening lighting.

Low light portraits

Portraits using flash in low lighting

A person photographed at night with brightly lit urban buildings in the distance, showcasing flash use to enhance portrait clarity in low-light settings.
A lively bar setting featuring a bartender in action, with glassware, liquor bottles on display, and a neon sign adding ambiance to the low-light environment.
A portrait taken at night using flash, with vibrant red and purple lights in the background, illustrating techniques for low-light flash photography.
A person wearing a white jacket and a necklace posed outdoors at night, illuminated by flash. The background shows string lights and a park-like setting.

Portraits using available light in low lighting

A portrait of a person in a blue shirt taken in low lighting, featuring a softly lit backdrop of shelves filled with bottles and barware.
A person wearing a black outfit with lace details, standing in a low-light street scene with illuminated storefronts and urban surroundings in the background.
Portrait in low-light conditions featuring a person in a pink shirt with lush greenery and glowing lights in the background.
A person with long dark hair wearing a white jacket with green accents, captured in a low-light setting against a blurred background of vibrant lights.
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