Highlights in Low Light

At a time when most photographers are finished shooting for the day, photographer Martin Krolop is just getting started. Armed with his trusty Canon 50d speed-light Krolop brings us another sure to be appreciated topic, this time producing exciting portrait photos at night.

Krolop demonstrates how to combine the use of available light, a flash and the night setting as a backdrop, to enhance and compliment the overall picture of nighttime portrait photography. He begins by explaining the lighting techniques under different lighting conditions at night, then demonstrating for the viewers step-by-step the various technical aspects of the shoot such as, selected aperture and exposure, as well as the chosen lens and respective focal depth. He also explains with the help of two test shots the importance of using a wider composition in combination with a wide aperture, "Since the depth of field is very sensitive under such low light conditions the area of sharpness comprises only a few centimeters when shooting portrait shots at night", says Krolop.

On average, during the night most light comes from above and it is these street-lamps and other light sources that produce an unappealing sinister look in portraiture. As Krolop continues with test shots, we learn the best solution to remedy this situation is a fill flash, which actually in most situations adds the finishing touch to photographing a beautiful portrait at night.

In another setup Krolop uses a wonderful background light scenario with his model placed in the foreground to add depth and layers to his photo. Specifically, in this case the light comes from the background, not from above. In order to capture the pleasant light ambience of the background as well as keep his main subject the main point of interest Krolop illuminates her face from the front, which results in a synchronized lighting effect between the subject and background.

Background light at night is static, meaning, it is what it is and cannot be influenced or changed, therefore using a flash on the subject will only affect the subject. In order to use lights in the background a part of the overall composition when photographing portraits at night, Krolop explains that a high ISO, a wide aperture and fast shutter speed must be used. Since the background lights are as bright as they can be, only the subject is affected from the front by the flash illumination and preceding camera settings accordingly.

One superb highlight of the video is Krolop taking shots in the photo-series mode, using the AF micro adjustment focusing mode on the Canon 50d, producing six pictures per second as the model walks toward him, in various poses and positions, creating a eye-catching flow of movement throughout the composition. In conclusion, Krolop recommends when shooting in extreme lighting conditions to always use the middle focal point to measure focus.

Based out of Bonn, Krolop comprises half of the creative team at Krolop & Gerst photography. Combining traditional photography techniques with the latest technology and software, Krolop and Gerst specialize in editorial, fashion, location and wedding photography, providing excellent visual solution services to many satisfied clients.