Low Light Vision | 1.4

Low Light Photography is a magical world all by itself.

I was intimidate by this discipline because my Kit Lens was the XF 18-135mm which came bundled with my XT1.

I love that Camera and Lens set up.

During the day in good light, it is perfect.

As my studies improved, I became aware of Fast Lens, High ISO and Long Exposure / Blue Hour Photography.

I love this because when using a Tripod, it’s a different technique which gets added to my tool box of skills.

Low Light Photography is a different proposition all together.

I must thank Flemming Bo Jensen because his work as a Music Festival Photographer is simply STUNNING.

I studied his work, read his E-Book and was greatly encouraged to try this level of image creation.

This is another level of visual expression.

I am totally blown away by it.

I started using my Fuji 35mm 1.4.

This is a fast optics.

Low Light Photography requires a Fast Lens and a 1.4 Lens is required.

Because I am short sighted - I see wide.

The 35mm 1.4 feels wide like a Full Frame 35mm. This means my field of view is W-I-D-E with this Lens.

It is visually deceptive to me and it feels correct.

I wanted to try something a little wider - enter the XF23 1.4. This Lens on my Fuji Body is the classic frame of……..35mm.

The 35mm I mentioned above is equivalent to 53mm - the classic 50mm

The 23mm 1.4 is simply……..GORGEOUS.

At anytime of day, this Lens is pure visual magic. I invested in this Lens around 2014 and have loved using it ever since. For Low Light, it is perfect.

However, thanks to Fleming’s inspiring work, I have seen the Light. The XF 16mm 1.4 is THE Lens for this discipline.

It is optically perfect.

Sharp at 1.4 and it delivers the most wonderful images.

All the images in this post were created using this Lens on my X-Pro 2.

Let’s talk about dark side of The Force for a minute. This is a very important requirement in Low Light Photography.

I am referring to…..

ISO…

We all know what happens to our images once we hit that high ISO threshold. There is no way round it, high ISO results in image noise. We need it to ensure a decent shutter speed.

I had to accept this and get over it.

In fact, I EMBRACED it.

Guess what?

It doesn’t matter.

In fact, I love the look regardless.

So my shooting workflow is:

Auto ISO : 1600 - 12800

Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/125th

Aperture : 1.4 - Wide Open

Image Quality : RAW

These settings support me right now because I am practicing and learning how far I can push my settings to create the best exposure.

I am also experimenting with Centre Weighted vs Spot Metering; with these Metering options, it’s all about seeing the light because there is not much at night except for street lamps and shop windows.

It’s a different feeling altogether.

I love it.

I will be expanding my visual narrative over the next few days when I venture into the West End of London.

For now, Low Light Image creation has become a very important part of my self expression.

To be continued.

Thanks for reading.