Night photography

[tippet7]

I have a small waterproof digital that i take to the lake with me. i do fish at night a bit and the flash on my camera isnt strong enough to get a good shot. i usually point my headlamp at the subject, that helps some, but i would like the photos to come out better.

any suggestions?

this a photo i took back in jan fishing with Leonard.

[Danoinark]

John

On your digital camera are you able to take it off auto and use manual settings? And are there scene settings with a nightime mode? On mine I am able to use a nightime setting which obviously opens the lens wider (larger F stop) and I think also slows the shutter speed.....Dan

[Rolan Duffield]

It's difficult to answer this question not knowing the camera or its capabilities. You should be able to take night pictures with most cameras, as long as you are within 4 to 6 feet from the subject.

Using manual settings is a very good idea if the camera allows this. Auto settings can be a problem at times.

Check your camera manual to find the flash capability of the camera.

Does the camera have capability to overide the exposure system? If so, increase the exposure by 1 to 2 F/stops.

Try these ideas at home. You should then know what works or doesn't work.

Rolan

[Rolan Duffield]

Tippet:

Here's another suggestion I totally forgot about. Your camera battery may be discharged or simply --- bad. If you have a low battery, you will not get satisfactory results.

If you have a voltmeter, check the voltage of the battery to determine if it's O.K. Also check the battery contacts in the camera making certain they are clean. (no corrosion)

Rechargeable batteries do not have as much power as an alkaline battery. Replacing the battery may solve your problem.

Rolan