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26 | OHCC LIVING | JANUARY 2021 | We're in that time of year when low- light photography can be required. It is a challenge, but sometimes you can produce good results. If you read up on night photography in a professional's book, for example Tony Northrup's Stunning Digital Photography, you'll find he recommends a) use a tripod; b) use manual settings on your camera (if you know how) and possibly; c) use a remote to avoid shaking the camera with your hands. The idea is to have the shutter open wide, remain open to capture what light there is, and have the camera steady. The problem with advice such as this is that when you take photos at night you might not have a tripod, you might not know how to use manual settings, and you might not have a remote. As a casual photographer, as many of us are, we might not even own those things. So what to do? A couple of simple ideas might help. First of all, most digital cameras have built-in programs for shooting at night. Also, you can sometimes steady the camera by leaning on a building, or propping it on a ledge. In the photo of Positano, Italy, taken at dusk with an entry-level Nikon DSLR, you can see a bit of the wall at the right of the photo. If you don't have access to something to lean on, try tucking your elbows in at your side to steady the camera that way. Another thing that is somewhat counter-intuitive is to be judicious about using the flash. Your camera cannot light up a landscape, but sometimes it can produce an interesting effect. There was a fog descending on Matera, and the flash reflected off the droplets of fog. The same thing can be done with falling snow. (Not here.) The OH Travel Club had a trip a couple of years ago to see the Parade of Lights in the harbor. Despite all efforts, a high-end Nikon with a vibration reduction lens was successful in getting only one decent photo out of dozens. The one decent one was taken while leaning on a railing. An iPhone would have done better. The Ocean Hills Photo Club is open to anyone interested in photography, taking photos, learning about your camera, or just enjoying them. Someday, we'll meet again. Photography Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.