Tips for Taking Photographs in Low-Light Conditions

Mon Jun 2025

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Blog

Low-light photography is one of the most rewarding and challenging genres in photography. At dlphoto we recently hosted an immersive workshop designed to give amateur and intermediate photographers hands-on mastery over shooting in dim, low light conditions. In this blog post, we will share some of the key techniques explored in the course, share real participant feedback, and show how you can take your low-light photography to the next level.

Whether you’re struggling with noise, motion blur, or achieving sharp focus in dark settings, this course provides solutions that are both technical and creative. If you missed this opportunity to attend, just know that all our workshops and course run throughout the year. Here’s your detailed photography course recap.

Why Low-Light Photography?

Low-light environments from indoor events and night cityscapes to dramatic lighting setups for portraits can be visually stunning with the right lighting know-how, otherwise the result is often disappointing. Understanding how to balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, while working with available light or artificial enhancements, is key to unlocking the magic of capturing great shots in the dark.

This workshop was developed specifically to give photographers low-light photography tips they could apply immediately, no matter their gear.

Techniques Covered in the Course

Here are the essential techniques and practical exercises participants were guided through:

1. Mastering Manual Mode for Control

In low-light settings, automatic modes often struggle. We taught participants how to take full control of their exposure by switching to manual mode, adjusting:

  • ISO: Knowing how high you can go before noise compromises your image.
  • Shutter Speed: When to shoot slow for artistic blur or freeze the moment.
  • Aperture: Using wide-open f-stops for more light and beautiful bokeh.

Thabo M. – Workshop Attendee “I never thought I’d shoot fully manual. This course made it feel easy and natural.”

2. Understanding and Using ISO Creatively

We demystified ISO sensitivity and explained how different cameras handle it. Participants tested their gear in various lighting setups and learned to balance ISO without sacrificing quality.

Key hint: “Don’t fear high ISO — learn to manage an understand it.”

3. Focusing in the Dark

Focusing in low-light can frustrate even the most seasoned photographers. We shared proven strategies:

  • Switching to manual focus when autofocus fails
  • Using focus assist lights or torches strategically
  • Shooting with live view magnification for pinpoint precision

Jenna R. – Intermediate Photographer “Focusing at night used to be a guessing game that proved to be mostly disappointing. Now I know exactly how to lock onto my subject.”

4. Using Available and Artificial Light

Students were introduced to lighting gear like LED panels and handheld lights. But we also explored the magic of natural low light such as candlelight, outdoor signage, and sunset and how to adapt your settings accordingly.

We compared:

  • Tungsten vs LED temperatures
  • Continuous vs flash lighting
  • DIY modifiers to soften or control spill

5. Tripod Techniques and Stability Hacks

For longer exposures, camera shake can ruin a shot. We went beyond the tripod basics:

  • Choosing the right tripod head
  • Using a remote shutter or self-timer
  • The bean bag trick for stable street photography

Chris D. – Amateur Photographer “I always thought tripods were for other things as I have never used one, but now I see how they open creative possibilities – my next purchase.”

6. Post-Processing for Low-Light

A dedicated section covered editing techniques to reduce noise, correct colour casts, and enhance detail using tools like:

  1. Photoshop for selective sharpening and noise reduction sliders
  2. Creating mood with colour grading

We encouraged ethical post-processing, enhancing rather than fixing, to maintain image integrity.

Real-World Scenarios Practised

To ensure skills translated into real-world settings, we simulated practical shooting environments:

  • A dim studio setup for dramatic portraits
  • Sun set in Cape Town along the Sea Point promenade.
  • Interior lifestyle scenes with ambient lamp lighting

Each setup encouraged participants to think on their feet, assess available light, and adapt quickly This is a vital skill for any photographer.

Participant Testimonials

The course received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees who walked away with new confidence and portfolio-worthy shots.

Sipho N. – Hobbyist Photographer “This workshop was the turning point for me. I’ve avoided night photography for years, but now I’m hooked.”

Lindsay P. – Aspiring Freelance “ The balance between theory and practice was perfect. I appreciated the one-on-one guidance.”

Marc B. – Beginner DSLR User “I’ve done a few online courses, but this hands-on workshop changed everything. Seeing results instantly made the learning stick.”

Who This Course Was For

This workshop was ideal for photographers who:

  • Own a DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced compact camera
  • Understand the basic camera settings
  • Want to expand their creative portfolio with atmospheric imagery
  • Are looking for practical low-light photography tips and feedback from a professional mentor

What’s Next?

If you missed this workshop, don’t worry as more photography courses are on the way. We run regular photography courses and photography workshops covering topics from beginner to advanced levels, including:

Parting Thoughts

Low-light photography isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s an opportunity to capture mood, drama, and detail that would be impossible in bright daylight. With the right training, patience, and practice, it becomes one of the most expressive forms of visual storytelling.

This photography course recap has just scratched the surface of what was covered in our recent workshop, but hopefully, it inspires you to explore low-light photography with confidence.

Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to push boundaries or an aspiring professional needing portfolio depth, consider joining our next course. We’ll help you develop not just technical precision but also creative intuition.

Bonus Tip: Your Low-Light Essentials Kit

If you’re eager to improve your low-light work right away, here’s a quick gear checklist inspired by the course:

  • A sturdy tripod
  • Fast prime lens (e.g. 50mm f/1.8)
  • LED light or torch
  • Spare batteries (long exposures drain power fast)
  • Manual mode cheat sheet (available on our course page)
  • Editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop)