We have all been to an event where the light levels have
been very low, for instance low candle light at restuarant
tables for ambiance, below is a guide line for setting up
your camera to get the best photographs from your camera.
1. Use a fast lens i.e. f/1.8, f/2.4
2. Use a lens with image stabilization.
3. Use your camera's flash, use an off camera flash cord
if you have one.
4. Camera settings,
. use Tv - speed priority, match your shutters speed to
the max focal length of your lens. if you use a 50mm
lens use at lest a 1/50th sec shutter speed, but
preferably between 1/50 sec and 1/100 sec.
. Set WB to flash.
. Set ISO to auto.
5. Make use of any available light, lamps, candles to illuminate
your subjects.
6. Getting more creative, using a fast f/1.8 lens, select aperture
mode opening up the Aperture to f/2.0-f/3.5 get in close and
focus on the eyes, again use any available light to illuminate
your subject, watch your shutter speed does not drop too low
to cause blurring.
At a recent event the light was so poor I had to bring over the
candle so I could just read the menu, I used my canon eos 40D
with a EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS lens and I used the above settings
and the photographs worked out fine.