Night Time or Low Light Mobile Photography Tips

Most mobile photographers are having trouble capturing images in low light scenes. Unlike DSLR cameras, most mobile device cameras only offer limited settings to users. Some phone or tablet cameras, especially the old ones, don't have built-in flash and most don't have settings for adjusting ISO, shutter speed and aperture (or f-stop), making low light mobile photography very challenging. The lack of these settings are primarily because mobile cameras are built to work automatically.

The Rose Garden at Night

(Mobile Photography)

Rose Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio City

On this night time or low light mobile photography series, we will learn applicable tips on how to help you take nice images in low light scenes. We will discuss three important topics necessary for a great low light photo, Clarity, Exposure, and Composition, with different tips for each. The suggestions you'd be reading are based on experience and it's up to you to find what works -- and discover things yourself.

The smartphone camera I'm currently using allows me to adjust ISO settings only in Normal mode but offers little help in shooting in low light. I prefer shooting on HDR mode because it automatically sets itself for longer exposure and raises ISO values to its maximum. Although it is true that high ISO means getting noisier images, noisy/grainy photos are always better than no photos at all.

The first and the most important tip yet is know your camera.


Click here to jump to Clarity - taking clearer pictures in low light. (Coming Soon)

Click here to jump to Exposure - getting better image exposure in low light. (Coming Soon)

Click here to jump to Composition - practical tips for better image composition in low light. (Coming Soon)