Photography Tips and Tricks

Candlelight is one of the most flattering of light sources that can be used in a photograph, if used properly. These tips will help you to capture dazzling images using candlelight.

Set-up

First, you must set up the area for a good photo.

To prepare your camera, turn off the flash. Flash will wash out the image and destroy the pretty light from the candle.

Then, set your camera to a low ISO setting. ISO mode is indicated by an ‘I’ or ‘ISO’ on the camera. To keep the light warm, keep your camera set to auto ISO.

Warm Tones by Alina Bradford 

If you want cooler tones in your photos, adjust the white balance. This may take some practice shots to get just the right effect.

Cool Tones by Alina Bradford 

Secure your camera to a tripod to avoid camera shake because of the low light settings.

Taking the Shot

Once you have your camera ready and your settings perfect, all you need to do is to start shooting. Set your timer, focus your digital camera by pressing the shutter button half-way down, and then depress the shutter button all the way. Stand back and let your camera do its job, making sure not to jiggle the tripod.

Getting the Best Results

To get the best results you will need a few tricks:

• Use as many candles as possible to get the most light.
• Spread the candles out for a diffused light, or bunch them all in one place for dramatic shadows. No matter what, make sure the candles are in a pleasing composition.
• A small, white room will bounce the light back at the subject, making brighter, clearer pictures. Powder rooms and bathrooms are ideal.
• The closer the object is to the candles the better lit it will be.

• Smaller candles will do better with smaller objects, while large candles are better with larger objects.
• Get as close to your subjects as possible. Fill your frame with light.
• Reflect the candlelight in a mirror. Remember to keep your camera at an angle so that you don’t take a picture of yourself.

Mirror Reflection by Alina Bradford 

Light trails are fun and easy to create for beginners using with digital cameras and the results can look really professional. A light trail is created when the photographer uses a very slow shutter speed to photograph cars or other lit moving objects at night.

Equipment

First, you need some basic equipment. Besides your camera, you will need a tripod and cable shutter to eliminate camera shake and blurred images. A lens hood is handy to prevent glare on your lens from outdoor lighting, but it isn’t necessary.

Timing

Generally, you can photograph light trails any time of night. For a little splash of ambient lighting, though, you should take your photos just after the sun goes down or just before it comes up. The warm glow of the sun will add a little extra color and interest to the photo.

Also, try to choose a time of night when there is a lot of traffic. Right after sunset you will probably be able to photograph quite a bit more cars than at 2 a.m., for example.

Location

The best place to set up your equipment is a hill, fire escape, or window overlooking a busy street. An overpass can be good, too, as long as it’s not dangerous to set up there.

Make sure that your spot is as dark as possible, with the only bright lights coming from the cars themselves.

Getting the Shot

After you have the gear, the best timing, and the best location, the rest is easy. To achieve clear light trail, set your digital camera to night mode (an icon that looks like a moon) or ISO mode and turn off the flash.

Adjust your tripod so that you have a clear shot of your subject. If you don’t have a cable shutter, set your timer and press the shutter button. Step back and wait for your camera to take the picture.

Now review your image. Is there a nice light trail? If not, try these tips:

Make sure you take the picture when there are many cars passing by. One or two won’t make a good light trail.

Set your camera to Manual and adjust the aperture to a mid-range such as f/8 and your shutter speed to around 10 to 20 seconds. Increase your aperture one stop if your image is overexposed. If it is underexposed lower the aperture one stop.