How to Take Better Photos in Low Light

At night, cameras receive less light and must compensate with a slower shutter, higher sensitivity or several combined frames. Each has tradeoffs. A sharp, slightly dark shot usually edits better than a brighter frame ruined by motion blur.

What to do

1. 1.Find a steady shooting position near useful light.
2. 2.Tap to focus on the actual subject.
3. 3.Hold still through a night exposure.
4. 4.Adjust exposure and noise gently afterward.

Use the light already available

Move closer to a streetlamp, shop window or other stable light source. Avoid very bright lights directly in the frame when possible because they can force the subject into deep shadow. Keep the lens clean to reduce glare around small light points.

Control motion

Stabilize the phone and ask people to hold still while it captures a night-mode image. Night modes often combine several frames, so moving children or pets may still blur. For fast-moving subjects, a shorter exposure and more light are better than an ambitious long exposure.

Edit without exaggerating noise

Lift shadows carefully, check that blacks stay believable, and avoid extreme clarity. Noise can become more visible when you brighten underexposed areas. Compare the exported image at normal viewing size before deciding whether extra detail is worth the noise.

Frequently asked question