Taking pictures in low light

[owura]

I am pretty new to photography. Yesterday, I tried to take pics in low light conditions because I wanted a shadowy effect and a dark background like the pics below. The problem is that my camera's shutter won't even fire. Is it because of the auto focus mode? Could I get some tips on taking pictures like these?

 

[Wesche]

Pics are too small to see, camara shutter wont fire ? then your camera doesn't take pictures?. To get nice pics in low light, if its a moving object higer your ISO, if its not moving, get a tripod, lower ISO and longer shutter speed. I try to avoid using flash, but it comes in handy sometimes

 

[Josh66]

I assume you're using one of the auto modes...?

You'll probably have to switch to Manual mode. The auto modes won't take the picture if the lens can't lock focus (which is probably what's happening). Manual doesn't care if it's in focus or not - if you push the button it will take the picture.
Just make sure that it actually is in focus before you take the picture.

That said though, for pictures like these you should still have enough light for auto-focus to work.

 

[MarkCSmith]

Those photos aren't necessarily in low light, more like effective light.

Fast glass or a tripod and high ISO is the key to low light photography.

 

[owura]

Those photos aren't necessarily in low light, more like effective light.

Fast glass or a tripod and high ISO is the key to low light photography.

Okay. So what is the key to taking picture like the above?

 

[meccalli]

Hey, what I've seen, those pictures are a combination of restricted light and a dark place. I take it that if you are using an auto mode and can't get the shutter to fire, you're probably not familiar with lighting. For example in your second shot, it looks like a gridspot or striplight that is restricting the light to the subject's face only. These shots aren't all ambient if that was your hopes. Learn flash photography.
Strobist: Lighting 101

^start here.. >.>

BTW, does your camera have an AF assist light?...it helps to lock focus in low light or none at all,
IF not , get a small pocket flash light that you can aim at your subject and lock focus.

 

[Boomn4x4]

Those photos aren't necessarily in low light, more like effective light.

Fast glass or a tripod and high ISO is the key to low light photography.

Okay. So what is the key to taking picture like the above?

Its not "low light"... in fact, there are some pretty powerful lights being used in those pictures. Its about using light effectivly.

What kind of camera, lens, and settings are you using?