The Dark Side of Black Friday:
Mastering Low-Light Photography Without Compromise
Black Friday. A day of slashed prices, frantic crowds, and, let’s be honest, questionable decisions. But here at Analogue, we’re stepping away from the chaos. No discounts, no flash sales—just a focus on craftsmanship and the art of doing things the right way. This year, we’re flipping the script with The Dark Side of Black Friday: a guide to low-light photography that embraces creativity over compromise.
Whether you’re chasing moody portraits or dramatic street scenes, these tips will help you harness the shadows and elevate your skills.
Film Choice: Embrace the Grain
For film shooters, the grain in your low-light shots isn’t just an artifact—it’s a key part of the mood and storytelling. Choosing the right film stock can make all the difference.
- High-ISO Films: Stocks like Portra 800, Cinestill 800, Candido 800, and Reflex Lab 800 excel in low-light conditions. Their higher ISO sensitivity captures detail in the shadows, delivering rich tones and beautiful contrast.
- Grain as a Feature: Rather than avoiding grain, embrace it. Think of it as an artistic element that adds texture and character to your shots. Each grain is like a brushstroke that adds depth to your story.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with Hands On Film Midnight 1600 ISO—it’s perfect for those darker, moodier shots where even more grain can add to the atmosphere. You can also push-process these films for enhanced contrast, but remember, it will also boost the grain!
HIGH ISO FILM
- Reflx Lab 800T€17,99
- Hands on film Midnight 1600
Sold out - Cinestill 800TUNGSTEN 35mm€21,99
- Kodak Portra 800/36from €26,99
Shutter Speed: Motion Blur or Crystal Clarity?
In low-light scenarios, your shutter speed defines the mood.
- Slower Speeds (1/15–1/30 sec): Ideal for capturing ambient light, these settings let you play with motion blur—perfect for busy streets or softly blurred figures. Use a tripod or steady hand for sharp stationary subjects.
- Faster Speeds (1/100+ sec): Freeze moments in crisp detail, especially when working with fast-moving subjects or handheld shots. Pair this with a wide aperture to maximize available light.Pro Tip: Use your camera’s image stabilization to push the boundaries of handheld low-light shooting.
Pro Tip: Use your camera’s image stabilization to push the boundaries of handheld low-light shooting.
slower speed
faster speed
Flash Photography: Light It Right
When natural light isn’t enough, flashes step in—but it’s easy to overdo it.
- Bounce It: Direct flash can wash out your subject and flatten the scene. Instead, bounce light off a nearby wall or ceiling for softer, more natural results.
- Gel It: Want to add color to your low-light shots? Use gels over your flash to create mood or match ambient lighting.
- Off-Camera Flash: Detach the flash from your camera for greater control. Position it at an angle for depth and drama in portraits.
Pro Tip: Experiment with second curtain sync to freeze motion trails for a surreal, cinematic effect.
Reflx Mini Flash Gen 2
Embrace the Imperfections
Low-light photography is about capturing the emotion of the scene, not perfecting it. Let the shadows dominate, embrace the grain, and use light sparingly. These “flaws” are what make low-light photography compelling.
cameras for low-light photography
- Contax 645€4.499,99
- Hasselblad XPan€4.249,99
- Contax I4R€699,99
- Pentax 17€549,99
- Contax T3from €2.869,99
- Olympus MJU IIfrom €459,99
- Olympus XA-1from €124,99
- Contax T VS Digitalfrom €589,99