To shoot in low light without a tripod, open your aperture wide, raise ISO until the shutter speed is fast enough to avoid blur, and brace your body or the camera against something solid. A sharp, slightly noisy photo is better than a clean blurry one. The steps below show how to balance the settings.
Settings That Keep Photos Sharp
In dim light, the camera needs to gather more light without a slow shutter. You have three levers.
- Use the widest aperture your lens offers, such as f/1.8 to f/2.8.
- Set a shutter speed near 1/60 second or faster for a standard lens. A common guide is one over the focal length, so a 100mm lens wants about 1/100 second.
- Raise ISO, often into the 1600 to 6400 range, until the exposure looks right. Many modern cameras handle this well, but check your own files.
- Turn on auto ISO with a sensible ceiling to let the camera adjust as the light changes.
- Turn on image stabilization if your lens or body has it.
Hold the Camera Steadily
Technique can gain you several stops of shutter speed.
- Keep elbows tucked against your ribs
- Support the lens from underneath with your left hand
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, one slightly forward
- Exhale slowly and press the shutter gently, without jabbing
- Use the viewfinder, which adds a third point of contact against your face
Use Your Surroundings
A wall, railing, table or lamp post makes an excellent tripod stand-in. Press your body or the camera against it. A small bean bag, a folded jacket or a scarf can cushion the camera on a ledge.
- Lean your shoulder against a wall while shooting
- Set the camera on a flat surface and use the two-second timer to avoid shake
- Sit down and rest elbows on knees
Handheld Settings Cheat Sheet
| Situation | Aperture | Shutter | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dim indoor room | f/1.8 to f/2.8 | 1/60 to 1/125 | 1600 to 3200 |
| City street at dusk | f/2 to f/4 | 1/60 to 1/125 | 800 to 3200 |
| Moving people at night | f/1.8 to f/2.8 | 1/125 to 1/250 | 3200 to 6400 |
These are general ranges. Adjust to your lens and the actual brightness.
FAQ
Should I use flash instead?
It can help for close subjects, though it changes the mood. Bounce it off a ceiling for a softer result, and follow the maker’s guide for your flash.
Is noise a big problem?
It is usually less of a problem than blur. Noise can be reduced when editing, while blur cannot be fixed. Shooting raw gives you the most room.
The Short Version
Use a wide aperture, accept a higher ISO and hold the camera like a brace. Lean on solid objects and take several frames, and you will keep more sharp photos after dark.
