![]() ![]() If using objects, position them as closely to the candle or candles as possible to keep their shape clearer in the photo by being lit more obviously.Įxperiment with the ISO.With extra candles, bunching them together will produce more shadows, while positioning them apart will make the light more diffuse.If you're just photographing the candles themselves, the positioning is probably more a matter of making an artistic or patterned display, whereas if you're using the candles to throw light on a human subject, you'll probably need to balance the lighting for a general reflection of the human subject, or maybe you'd prefer more lighting on one side of the person's face or some part of them. If using extra candles, just be thoughtful about where you place the additional candles.Don't be afraid to let a lot of the shot fall into the shadow, so that the viewer is drawn to the point where the candle and candlelight are. Play around with the placement a bit until you're happy with it.Īlso be aware that lighting only one part of the human subject with the candlelight (such as the face) while leaving the rest of the body shadowy can create an incredibly atmospheric photo. Bear in mind that candlelight can be really flattering to the human face, so don't be coy about placing the candles to ensure the best angle of the human subject. Position both candles and the human subject with consideration for the features you're seeking to highlight. The secondary light source should be from a wide area, such as a doorway or bounced off a wall or ceiling, so as not to cast its own shadows. Or, if you have an adjustable flash, use it for exposure computed (or set with flash-exposure-compensation) to underexpose a lot, such as by three stops. Dim light: If a little bit of detail in other areas is desirable, turn on a very small, dim light, or have a light on in an adjacent room.Moonlight through a window might work if it's available and strong enough. The reflection of the mirror or silverware adds to the available light and to the ambiance.īe sure to polish up the silverware if using it and if using a mirror, keep yourself out of the shot and ensure that no streaks resulting from the polishing action remain as these have a great tendency to show up in the resulting photograph. Try using a mirror or silverware on the surface where the candles are. ![]() And don't neglect the usefulness of white pajamas or other clothing if using human subjects with the candlelight. White backgrounds and surfaces can improve the look of the candlelight in photos.There are a number of possibilities here: Reflective light sources: These aren't light as such but are sources of bouncing light.The benefit of this is not only the possibilities of producing a pretty display but it also gives you greater flexibility with the ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings. More candles: Adding more candles to the scene can increase the desired lighting effect.However, there are three ways you can improve lighting without spoiling the candle's warm glow, namely by adding more candles, by using reflective light or by using dim light: Although you need to reduce the light sources near the candle itself, the reality is that lighting is low with candle shots and low light always makes taking a good photo harder. A breeze will cause the candle to flicker which will appear in the shot as extreme movement resulting in an image capture that results in a blurred photo. Be sure that there is no breeze in the room.If a person is in the picture, use a wide aperture for a fast shutter speed, focus on the closest eye (where sharpness or lack thereof is most apparent), and have her or him hold still.If one or more have come away, vibration from your movement may be transferred up the tripod leg to your camera from the direct contact that the metal tripod leg has with the floor surface. Ensure your tripod's rubber foot caps are in serviceable condition and attached.Shooting in the dark will cause your shutter to move slowly and a tripod will help reduce any vibrations from the slower shutter speeds you'll need to use. While the candle flame will be moving, it is important to get rid of any other movement or the photo will be blurred or filled with distractions. Be sure that there is little, or no, movement in the shot. ![]()
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