Shooting food photos in a dimly lit cafe can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to capture the cozy, intimate atmosphere without using flash. Flash can often be too harsh and ruin the natural look of the scene, but there are ways to get beautiful shots even in low-light settings.

Here’s how to make the most of your cafe photography without needing to rely on flash.

Make the Most of Natural Light:

The best way to work with low light is to use whatever natural light is available. If the cafe has large windows, try to sit near them. Daylight, even if it’s overcast, can provide soft and flattering light for your photos. Position your subject near the light source, like a window or glass door, to capture the best light possible.

If you’re not sitting near a window, don’t worry. Look around for other sources of natural light, like nearby candles, pendant lights, or lamps with warm, soft lighting. This can help create an inviting atmosphere without being too bright.

Increase Your Camera’s ISO:

In low-light environments, increasing your camera’s ISO setting can help your photos stay bright. Higher ISO settings make the camera’s sensor more sensitive to light, so you can capture more detail even in dim conditions. While raising the ISO can help, be mindful not to go too high, as it can introduce grain or noise in your photos. Finding the right balance is key experiment with different settings to see what works best for your camera and the scene.

Use a Wide Aperture:

A wide aperture (smaller f-number, like f/2.8 or f/3.5) lets in more light, which is helpful in low-light situations. The wide aperture also allows you to create a shallow depth of field, which blurs the background and makes the food stand out more. This effect is great for capturing the details and textures of the dish without the distractions of a busy cafe background.

Use a Tripod or Steady Your Camera:

In low-light situations, your camera needs more time to gather light, which can result in motion blur if you don’t hold it steady. To avoid this, use a tripod to stabilize your camera, or if you don’t have one, rest your camera on a stable surface like a table or chair. Another trick is to hold the camera close to your body to minimize movement.