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Today’s tip from photographer David Bergman and AdoramaTV will help you get razor-sharp images in low-light, by using the auto focus assist beam. If you ever shot in low-light conditions, you probably fell victim of bad, out-of-focus images as well. Luckily, Mr. Bergman has a few quick tips to solve this problem with a use of speed lite AF system.
David shares: “Your camera’s autofocus system needs to see obviously to be able to focus. You know that red grid pattern that shoots out of your flash? That’s the AF assist beam and it can be a lifesaver in low-light, but there are few things you need to know to use it correctly.”
“The AF assist beam comes out of an external flash, like a Canon speed light. For it to work properly, your focus point needs to be on or near the middle of the frame. The beam just doesn’t help that much around the edges. You also have to make sure you’re using the correct focus mode. The beam will only fire if you’re on single or one shot. This makes sense of course, because it takes a second or two to fire and lock focus on your subject. “
“That really won’t work too well if your subject is moving. There’s some less obvious uses for the beam as well. You can use it if you’re shooting without looking through the viewfinder, since you’ll see it, and it’ll help you aim the camera properly if you’re doing like a ‘Hail Mary’ photo.”
“It can even help you focus if you don’t want to use the flash at all. Each camera is different, but on this 5D Mark IV, you can disable the flash in the camera settings, and the beam will still fire before you take the picture. If your camera doesn’t allow that, you can always dial the power all the way down, and point the flash away from your subject. So the beam will fire but the flash won’t affect your exposure, much, or at all. Once you start regularly using the auto focus assist beam, you’ll find it to be invaluable.”
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Studio Lighting 102: Portrait Photography Lighting
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Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: