Low Light

For many people, dim lighting makes for difficult picture-taking. But it is also an opportunity for exciting pictures. So when the clouds roll in at the picnic or the stage curtain rises, you'll be ready to create pictures that shine.

Hold the camera extra steady
To avoid blurry pictures, brace your camera on a railing, the back of a chair or a table, or against a column or tree. This helps keep the camera from moving and blurring the pictures. Or use a pocket or full-size tripod.

Wait for the action to slow
If your subject is moving, wait for it to slow down or stop before you take the picture.

Turn off your flash
For more effective lighting when you're outside in dim light and your subject isn't within flash range (more than about 10 feet away), turn off your flash and capture the scene in the existing light. Hold your camera extra steady or use a tripod, and be sure to use a high-speed film if you have a film camera.

Use a dim-light film
A dim-light film (also known as fast or high-speed film) is extra sensitive to light so you can get good pictures in very dim light. Use a film rated at 400, 800, or higher.

Stay within the flash range
The typical digital camera flash range is 6 to 10 feet, up to 15 feet for film cameras. Subjects that are outside the flash range will be either too dark or too light. Check the camera manual and make sure your subject is within the flash range.

Press the shutter button smoothly
To avoid blurry pictures, don't jab the shutter button and jar the camera. Press it gently and smoothly so your pictures are sharp.