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Candle Light Photography
1. Let's start this adventure by being sure to turn off your flash.
OK this sounds pretty obvious, but for many photographers this detail gets forgotten. Later on, we will talk about using your flash with a colored jel.
2. You will need a sturdy tripod or other firm support.
When you are shooting in a low light situation your shutter will be open for a long time. Any camera movement during that time will blur your pictures. If you do not have a good tripod, and don't want to purchase one, you can use a bag of beans on a solid table.
3. A remote trigger for your camera.
If you are serious about this type of photography you will want to invest in a remote release for your camera. These are readily available for most cameras and nicer point and shoots.
Local camera stores are becoming more scarce. If you prefer to shop online we recommend B and H Photo. They are reputable and carry and incredible inventory.
4. You will need extra candles.
Candlelight photography means working with a profound lack of light. As you plan for this adventure plan stock up on candles and watch the clearance areas for great buys.
5. Don't put the candles together as a group.
Positioning multiple candles as a close group will create harsher shadows on your subjects face. For certain mood effects this could be a great look, but most of the time in a portrait you do not want that much contrast. It is usually better to spread the light across their face. Simply spreading the candles out a little more will accomplish that goal. However, to create depth you should place more candles on one side of the face versuses the other.
6. Create natural ‘Reflectors’ to keep a natural look
As you setup your candlelight portrait try to surround the subject with natural reflectors. A white wall and white tablecloth will help provide you with an even light source. If you have not invested in some reflectors you really should own a set. They are inexpensive and very portable.
For a selection of these reflectors click on the B&H Link below and enter "collapsible reflector" in the search box. These reflectors come in all size from pocket size to 5 and 6 foot versions. My recommendation is to go with the reflectors that have a silver/gold mesh weave. They are not as contrasty as a straight silver and won't shift your color as much as a gold one.
Click on the image to the left to see the selection offered by B and H Photo.
7. If you are purchasing a lens select a fast lens.
Spending a little bit extra on a lens means having a lens which allows more light through the lens. Choose the ‘fastest’ lens you have and you will be able to shoot at a faster shutter speed, have a lower ISO, and a more shallow depth of field. I will often shoot with with a 50mm lenses with a f/1.8 or f/1.4 aperature. These prime lens are not expensive.
A zoom lens is more flexible, but is not as fast and is heavier. Most cameras that are sold with a lens are sold with a zoom lens.
8. Pay attention to the background and surroundings
When composing these images keep it simple. Try to keep your composition as as uncluttered and simple as possible. A light colored background has some advantage because it will help keep the subjects hair from blending into it. If you want to work against a darker background you might place a candle or two behind the subject.
9. Shutter Speed
The lower the shutter speed the more light that reaches the camera sensor. As you decrease the shutter speed you increase the chances of blur due to movement of your subject or the candle flames. This is probably a good time to suggest that you turn off any ceiling fans or central air units. Generall speaking, you can't go below 1/15 of a second and expect the subject to be still. If you are trying to hand hold or use a flimsey tripod, then you may be at 1/30 or greater.
10. ISO Settings
Yes, you will need to use a higher ISO. How high depends upon your cameras ability to work at the higher ISOs. The downside of doing these is shots with more grain or digital noise. If you can, don't go above 400.
11. Exposure
Don't even think about auto exposure. Most any camera will have a manual setting. This will take some experimentation, but as a rule of thumb, if the candles are in the picture plan to over expose by two f-stops. Again, experiment.
12. Which White Balance
Candles produce a very ‘warm’ light. This light creates a wonderful atmosphere and can set the mood quite nicely. If you leave your camea on auto-white balance it will try to give you a natural light color. My suggestion is to try ‘indoor’ or ‘tungsten’. The bottom line it to experiment.
If you are a more advanced shooter use the RAW option in your camera and then you can play with color balance after the shoot.
13. Other Light Sources
Sometimes the candles just don't produce enough light. In that scenario purchase a light dimmer and create a light where you can adjust the output to balance with your candles. If you are not a competent person with a pair of wire cutters have someone else wire it for you. I am not responsible for any fires you start.
As an additional aid in this area you can add some additional warmth glow by using some red or orange material draped over the light. Again, don't set anything on fire.
14. Using Colored Gel with your Flash
In number 1 I said for you to turn off your flash. An exception to this is to use the flash like the light I mentioned above. If you place a red or orange gel over your flash you will be able to use the flash to even out the light and help give the photograph a more natural look. To do this you will need to know how to control your flash so you can turn down the output.