(Note, this is the same night as our Downtown At Night Photowalk)

Taking pictures at night can be tough. The role of the camera is to “capture light”. But what if there isn’t enough light to capture? There are several important techniques for capturing amazing low-light photographs!

This class runs about 2 hours.  Order some lunch downstairs and then come grab a table upstairs.

Typically, taking a long exposure image involves three things, and we will cover each in this class:

• Gear

• Setting up the shot

• Post Processing

Part 1: Focus on Gear

When it comes to low light photography, many folks know that the Tripod is essential. But there are some camera settings that will actually make your images WORSE if you tripod your body! We will discuss how to temporarily disable these features that could spoil a great night photograph.

Other important bits of gear includes a shutter-trigger. There are many trigger variants available for really cheap to really expensive. We’ll discuss several types and stress their pro’s and con’s. We will also discuss why we bring our camera flash even when we don’t plan to use it, and why we always bring our trusty flashlight (not just for safety!).

Part 2: Setting Up

There’s no such thing as a “quick” low light shot, and unfortunately the Sun waits for no man. If you’re trying to get that perfect, near-sunset image, proper set up in advance will help you make the best image as quickly as possible. We’ll discuss how to make sure your tripod “stays put”, and talk about some of the unexpected issues that cause our low-light images to be blurry.

Night photography almost always requires us to shoot in “manual” or “M” mode, which can be uncomfortable for some folks. We will discuss the interplay between shutter speed, ISO and Aperture so you are more comfortable with “M” mode settings. (NOTE: not everyone’s camera works the same, you should bring your manual).

When we photograph people in low light situations, sometimes the person looks great, but the background is inky black even though they are in a nice building or at a party. It looks as if you took the shot in a pitch black room. When working together in Auto mode, your camera and flash will make sure the person in front of you looks great, irrespective of how the background looks. We’ll talk about a concept called “Dragging the Shutter”, that allows you to create a nice image with background/foreground balance.

We will talk about how to use special lens filters to darken areas that are too bright while maintaining a well-exposed image!

Part 3: Post Processing

Post Processing, or the changes we make to our image on our computers, will pay a big role in your final image. When we shoot in high ISO, for example, “noise” is introduced and we have to use post processing techniques to repair it.

RSVP / PAYMENT / EVENT FAQ:

(This is the “read this before posting a question” section)

Can I bring a guest / date / significant other?

If they are on the RSVP list, yes.  The meeting room is just small enough for those who RSVP.  Please do not bring a “Plus One” unless they are on the RSVP list.

I had an emergency / my fish tank went green / I have to change my RSVP.  / I had to no-show / I need a refund.

We always expect people not to show up for various reasons.  Life happens.  However, refunds are not available.  Meetup makes issuing refunds very difficult.  For more info about refunds, see our RSVP Event FAQ Page under “I want a Refund”.

Even though I can’t get a refund, I have to change my RSVP for the event that starts in 10 minutes.

Please change your RSVPs with plenty of time for someone else to attend.  RSVP changes with less than 48 hours notice will be considered a no-show.

I have a complaint and I want to post it in open-air comments?

Please direct that to my personal email or private message on Meetup.  If you think something’s not right and I agree, it will get addressed ASAP.  The “comments” section is for things you think would be interesting to the entire group — if you have something *I* need to know, address it to me.

I don’t use PayPal.  What are my options?

Start using paypal.  Unfortunately people who pay “when I get there” rarely show up.  RSVPs are secured by your paypal payment.  Paypal is a big part of how we manage this group.

How does the RSVP policy work?

The RSVP, Paid RSVP, and No-Show policies are posted here: https://houstonphotowalks.com/about/

There were too many words in this FAQ, so I didn’t bother reading it, is that a problem?

Not really.  I wrote it and didn’t bother reading it.  But if something goes screwy, we both will be referring to it for answers.

I can’t attend.  Will you be recording the event and making it available?

This is a social photography group, so we try to do everything while actually rubbing elbows.  However if there are enough people interested, I’m happy to do repeats of most classes and photowalk location visits.

Can I record the event?  Can I scan the hand outs and send it to my friends?

Well, that wouldn’t be too friendly.  We can’t be cranky about people stealing our images while stealing someone else’s voice and documents, right?  A lot of work and effort goes into any class, book, and instruction materials.  Don’t rob me.  🙂

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