Sometimes you run into situations in low light that you have a difficult time trying to get the right exposure for your subject.
Here are some settings you can use as a starting point to better your chances at getting the shot exposed correctly. Note that these exposures are based on the assumption your ISO is at 400. If your lens is not fast enough to use the suggested f-stop then use your widest aperture and adjust your shutter speed or ISO.
Also remember to bracket!
| Subject | Setting |
|---|---|
| Campfire | 1/30 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Fireworks | f/11 at various shutter speeds ranging from 1/2 second to 4 seconds. Or keep shutter open long enough to get several bursts |
| Floodlit building, monuments, fountains |
1/4 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Lighted Christmas tree, outdoors with snow |
1/15 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Lighted Christmas tree, indoors |
1/15 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Lightning | f/11, keeping shutter open until you capture the strike |
| Moon Full Half Crescent |
1/500 sec @ f/16 1/500 sec @ f/11 1/125 sec @ f/8 |
| Eclipse of Moon In penumbra (edge of shadow area) In umbra (deep shadow area) |
1/125 sec @ f/8
1 second at f/2.8 |
| Moonlit Landscape (moon not in picture) |
60 sec @ f/4 |
| Moonlit Snowscape | 30 sec @ f/4 |
| Moving Traffic (light patterns at night) |
10 seconds @ f/16 |
| Skyline 10 minutes after sunset |
1/125 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Skyline at night with lit windows |
1 sec @ f/4 |
| Spotlighted Performances | 1/125 sec @ f/5.6 |
| Street scenes, brightly lit |
1/60 sec @ f/4 |
Thanks for reading
Jason
jason brewer photography 