Experimentation

It seems there is no easy solution to the low light problem and many of the issues lie in the camera. The best camera to own is an SLR camera with multiple lenses. But many of us can’t afford an SLR camera, so here are some photo tips based on your comments and from surfing the web.

Here are some tips that may help with no flash indoor photos.

I would like to thank Jill of Bailiwick Designs, Barbara of Babsarella, Constance of Rochambeau, and Karla of Sugar Bear Designs, who gave some great suggestions.

• To shoot in a low level light situation, get as much natural light into the room as possible. So pull back the drapes, open the windows, doors, etc. This may mean you can only shoot photos in that room in the morning or late afternoon.

• Use a tripod for camera stability. Hand holding a camera seems to be a no-no in low light situations unless you are amazingly steady.

• Now set your shutter speed, aperture and ISO. For a definition on what these are, look here. These settings can be found on your camera in the manual settings.

If you are shooting in automatic modes, there are a few little goodies that might help you.

1. Portable light diffuser
A diffuser placed between the light and your subject will soften shadows and reduce contrast. A portable diffuser allows you to do this whenever you wish. It might allow you to use your flash.

2. A good photo editing program.

These links may be helpful too or you can do a Google search under the subject to find more help.

1. Digital Photography School

2. DIY Network

3. Photography Tips ~ This is a membership based tips page.

Below are some photos I took today using the let in the light method.































The next two photos were taken after the light had faded. I used standing lamps to light up the subjects. I didn't use flash.










This photo was taken two nights ago. The subject was lit up by two table lamps. I like the effect.



Please feel free to leave any indoor low light photo tips you may have.

33 comments:

bluemuf said...

Great pictures Nancy... I like the let in the light pics and also the lamp light. Both give different effects and mood.

Hugs Karen

LW said...

I love the pictures Nancy.
I really love your shoe in the glass case..... Majesty....

Louise

Alison Gibbs said...

Your photos are great.
Alison

Anonymous said...

Forget the lighting, lets talk about your fabulous collections! One of each, please. No? Okay, I'll settle for a photo (all of which are perfect!)
D.

Rosemary said...

Wow Nancy,
Those photos look amazing.
Great job!!
Glad you had some good helpers.
Rosemary

NeereAnDear said...

Nancy these are fantastic tips.... I too have the same problem... my house is dark so its hard to take photos inside and at times I must wait until its sunny out and take my projects out here... but that is not always an ideal situation ...

The links you provided I am sure are quite helpful and I am off to do some reading

CIAO!!
JO

The Feathered Nest said...

Nancy!! Who needs a SLR camera!! These photos are gorgeous!! One thing that I have discovered which sometimes is not reflected in my photos, is that the new Reveal bulbs in your lamps near where you take photos at night help them not to be so yellow....xxoo, Dawn (You've been featured on Rochambeau!!! http://rochambeau.typepad.com/my_weblog/) xxoo, Dawn

Heidi said...

Your pictures are so beautiful Nancy! You have amazing items to take photos of too. I have never been happy with our camera for indoor shots. Also closeups is a problem for this camera. Jos looked into it and it seems many complain online about the same problems with this model.

Hugs ~
Heidi

Lori said...

Nancy, your photos are wonderful...and your home looks lovely...i just adore your last pic with your sweet slipper in that gorgeous box!!! it is delicious!!!

maggiegracecreates said...

I love these photos - I am still learning about settings on my camera.

Love the shoe in the glass case but my faovrite is the table by the brick wall. Your decor is so soft and feminine and that brick wall was unexpected. Love it.

Babsarella said...

Rock on Nancy...these photos are great!!! One other thing (in the event that you can move your subject)...I found the place in my home that gets the best light, and when I photograph my cards, I set up a makeshift photo area on the bed (sheet music on the bottom and pretty Cavallini file folders in the back to hide the background). I try to shoot in the morning because after experimenting, I find that that light is best. I used to shoot on my covered patio outside, but I find I like this better. Good luck and keep up the great work! (p.s. I am hoping to someday get a digital SLR. Right now I am using a Kodak DX6490 which works well, but definitely has limitations. I have heard good things about the Nikon D40 and you can purchase them now for about $500, which is a lot cheaper than most.)

Sugar Bear said...

Awesome photos. The flowers with the lamp light looks like daylight to me. Have you tried looking at Alicia Paulson's blog? She has some good tips - most of which I think you covered in this post. I did just get a tripod and that has helped though it is a small tripod so I still resort to hand holding for taller or flat subjects.
Karla

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

Wonderful shots. Love the case for your slipper.

Anonymous said...

Your home is so Deeply Romantic and Elegant!! I love the Decor. As your photo's are so professional. You are so inspiring, keep up your wonderful talent!! (I hope you will join me for a Birthday Giveaway)Please come by!
xo~Jeannene

Anonymous said...

Your photos are wonderful and tips are great.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Nancy,
Your photos and subjects are beautiful!

I take my pictures with a kodak
Z650 easyshare. I have to take most of my pictures in my studio, because it has the best morning light in the winter and best afternoon light in the summer. I never use my flash. Almost always have it on auto. I use a tripod always. I wish my photos were better too. It is so hard to take pictures of mosaics.
Penny

Enzie Shahmiri said...

Nancy, these photos turned out very nice.

I also have to ask, where did you find that glass box for your lovely slipper? I am looking for one of those so that I can order my first shoe from you!

xoxo

P.S If I can take a decent photo tomorrow I will show you the progress on the painting.

Lori Garbarino said...

#1. are these actually pictures of your home? Very gorgeous looks like its out of a magaxine , you know the ones that you just want to jump in to the pages and lounge on the couch soaking in all the slendor! Very warm and inviting my dear!

#2. so sorry to hear about the Fish, I too have a fish disaster that involves, my son, a clean fish bowl, the garbage disposal, and the pipes under neath the sink being riped apart in seconds. HUH so sad.... oh and I forgot to mention Cold and Hot water! let's just say I panicked!

Glad to be back to your page my computer must have righted it self Thank you god I was having withdrawls!

Hugs

Lori

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Nancy!
Thanks for all the photo info! That's about how I do my photos, no flash, lamp light or natural light. I love the effect of lamp light as in your last photo. I think I need a tripod though! Your photos are Beautiful!!
Hugs, Sherry

Yoli said...

I was lured here by Constance and showing of your slipper. I feel like I am chasing Cinderella. It is gorgeous! Love the effects you are getting with different types of lights.

Ulla said...

Again, your consistancy is SUBLIME! I adore this crystal confection, but I'd take the 30's one in a heart beat as well ~ you know what I mean...

Lorrie said...

Beautiful photos. I especially like the ones of your gorgeous crystal chandelier.
Just lovely.
Lorrie

Margaret said...

The tips are great and your photos are fabulous, as always! Someday I will dedicate myself to improving my photographs!

Thanks for all the comments on my blog while I was gone! I was so busy over vacation that I didn't have much of a chance to respond to anyone. I had a great time in Paris, but I am so glad to be home.

Have a great week,
~Margaret

Dapoppins said...

I have no tips, other than prayer, and I totally looked up your awesome links.

COLLS GARDEN said...

Nancy, gorgeous photos, as yours always are. I will have to follow up some of the tips. Where is Bill?
Hugs, Coll :-}

Charm and Grace said...

I think these photos turned out beautifully. Those roses are some of the most beautiful I have seen in a while. Are they from your garden? Stunning!

Blessings,
Christi

Kristen Robinson said...

Amazing photos such beauty to begin my day with.
XOX
Kristen

Maija said...

Your photos look beautiful! I must follow your tips!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, beautiful house!!

Cheryl Ensom said...

Great tips, Nancy, and your home is GORGEOUS! I think we can overlook the messy kitchen!!! ;)

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Nancy,
Thank you for the tips.

Love the csse for the enchanted slipper.

xo~Tracie

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy,
What a beautiful blog you have!Congratulations.. I agree with you, the best time to take photos is in the morning.I really enjoyed yours.
Greetings from Madeira Island

Relyn Lawson said...

Your images are so very lovely. Thank you for sharing the tips you've culled. Now, if my house only looked like yours.