How to Photograph in Low Light Conditions

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a stunning scene at dusk—maybe the ocean glowing with the last light of day or a street lit only by fairy lights—thinking, “Wow, this would make an amazing photo”… only to check your camera or phone and see a blurry mess?

Yep. We’ve all been there.

Low light photography can feel a bit like wizardry when you're just starting out—but I promise it’s less about magic and more about technique (and maybe a tripod or two). Whether you’re shooting at night, during the moody blue hour, or indoors with limited light, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make low light your new best friend.

Let’s get into it.

What Exactly Is Low Light?

Low light doesn’t just mean night time—though that’s often where it starts. Any situation where your camera (or eyes) struggle to see detail is considered low light. Think:

• Just after sunset or before sunrise (aka the blue hour)

• Indoors without strong lighting

• Dense forests or shady alleyways

• Night scenes lit only by streetlights or the stars

Low light challenges your camera because there isn’t enough brightness to easily expose your subject. The result? Blurry, grainy, or underexposed photos… unless you know how to work with it.

Tip 1: Use a Tripod (Your Secret Low Light Weapon)

Let’s be honest—handheld shots in low light often end in heartbreak. Why? Because your camera needs to use slower shutter speeds to gather more light, and any little movement will cause blur.

Solution: Use a tripod (or set your camera down on a steady surface). This lets you:

• Use slower shutter speeds without camera shake

• Keep your ISO lower to reduce grain

• Compose your shot with precision

Even if you're shooting on a phone, a little tripod or clamp can work wonders. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just stable!

This 2 minute exposure was only possible with a tripod.

Tip 2: Embrace the Blue Hour

Ah, the blue hour—that beautiful sliver of time just after sunset or before sunrise when everything turns a soft, dreamy blue.

It’s not as dark as full night, which makes it perfect for low light photography beginners. You’ll still get moody vibes, but with just enough light to keep your images sharp.

Tip 3: Use Night Mode On Your Phone

Phone cameras have come a long way. If you’ve got a newer smartphone, chances are you’ve got Night Mode built in—and it’s surprisingly powerful.

Here’s how it works:

• Your phone uses a longer shutter speed (sometimes up to 3 seconds) to capture more light

• You’ll get brighter, clearer images without the flash

Tips for Night Mode success:

• Hold your phone very still (or better yet, use a tripod)

• Use a 3-second timer to avoid shaking the phone when you press the shutter

• Look for scenes with at least a bit of ambient light—Night Mode works best when there’s something to work with

This image was taken using my iPhones night mode. The people in the foreground spinning glowing poi really added an extra element to the image.

Tip 4: Add Light (But Make It Creative)

If it’s too dark to shoot, don’t be afraid to add light! You don’t need fancy studio gear—just a torch, fairy lights, or even your phone’s flashlight can do the trick.

Some creative ideas:

• Light painting: Wave a torch or glow stick during a long exposure

• Backlighting: Place a light source behind your subject for a dreamy silhouette

• Side lighting: Use a soft light from the side to add depth and shadows

I always keep a little LED torch in my camera bag, just in case. You’d be surprised how often it comes in handy.

A flash light helped to add enough light to this frog and flower combo to capture a sharp image.

Tip 5: Learn to Love Your Camera’s Settings

Getting off auto mode is key to mastering low light.

Here are the three main settings to experiment with:

• Shutter Speed: The longer it’s open, the more light gets in—but too slow and you risk blur (unless you’re on a tripod).

• Aperture (f/stop): A lower f-number (like f/2.8) means a wider opening = more light. Great for isolating subjects too.

• ISO: Increase ISO to brighten your image, but too much can add grain. Try to keep it as low as possible while still getting the shot.

If you’re new to manual mode, don’t stress. A great place to start is shutter priority (S or Tv mode)—you choose the shutter speed, and your camera adjusts the rest. That way, you stay in control of the most important factor in low light: motion blur.

Quick Fixes for Common Low Light Problems

Here’s a cheat sheet for common low light frustrations:

• Photos look grainy: Lower your ISO or use a tripod so you can slow the shutter instead.

• Photos are blurry: Increase shutter speed or use a tripod. Check your focus too!

• Too dark: Add a light source, open up your aperture, or bump up ISO carefully.

• Can’t focus: Switch to manual focus, especially in very dark scenes.

Bonus: Don’t Forget to Play!

Some of the most magical shots I’ve ever taken happened when I was just messing around with a torch and a long exposure on the beach at night. Low light opens up so many creative possibilities—reflections, shadows, silhouettes, star trails… even abstract art!

Don’t worry about getting it perfect. Try different things. Take notes on what worked and what didn’t. That’s how you learn (and grow).

Want More Hands-On Help?

If you’re local to Port Douglas or planning a visit, come join me for a Sunset Photography Tour. We’ll be out shooting during golden hour and blue hour—the perfect time to practice your low light skills with real guidance and plenty of encouragement.

Whether you’re shooting on a DSLR, mirrorless, or just your phone, I’ll help you capture the magic of the moment. Tours are small, relaxed, and full of practical tips to boost your confidence.

👉 Check availability and book a spot here

Final Thoughts

Low light photography might feel intimidating at first, but it’s actually one of the most rewarding skills to learn. It teaches you patience, sharpens your technical skills, and opens your eyes to the beauty that happens when the sun goes down.

So next time you're tempted to pack your camera away after sunset—don't! Stay a little longer. Wait for the stars. Try something new. And remember: even in the darkest conditions, your creativity is the brightest thing in your toolkit.

Got a favourite low light photo you’ve taken? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @traceyjonesphotography, or send me a message if you want help taking your low light shots to the next level.