Low light photography. Not easy, but not impossible

As somebody who hates flash^*, this is a subject near to my heart. Harry Benson, known among other things for his photos in the immediate aftermath of Robert Kennedy’s assassination, offers tips on using natural light in dimly lit environments. It’s mostly common sense. Shoot in aperture priority mode, use a fast (insanely fast, in the case of his 50mm 1.2 prime) lens, utilize the light that’s available to the best possible effect and, perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid. Still a good read. Two things he doesn’t mention; things that are equally obvious; Use image stabilization if you have it and the single most important tip: use a tripod if it’s even a little bit viable.

(New York Times)

---

^*: And by “hate” I mean “doesn’t know how to use very well at all.”