Night Photography question
Dec 23, 2011 22:58:13 #
Hey Y'all... what do you do if you want to go out and photograph the christmas lights and you aren't taking a tripod and aren't patient enough for a 30 second shutter speed? Besides AF what are my options? I know the best thing to do is go out right before sunset or right before sunrise but I was thinking of driving around at night and shooting some.
Any advice on camera settings for instant gratification? lol
Any advice on camera settings for instant gratification? lol
Dec 23, 2011 23:17:58 #
It would help to know what camera and lens (include how fast the lens is ie: what f:) and I'm not trying to insult...just don't know your levels of photography. L3
photogrl57 wrote:
Hey Y'all... what do you do if you want to go out and photograph the christmas lights and you aren't taking a tripod and aren't patient enough for a 30 second shutter speed? Besides AF what are my options? I know the best thing to do is go out right before sunset or right before sunrise but I was thinking of driving around at night and shooting some.
Any advice on camera settings for instant gratification? lol
Any advice on camera settings for instant gratification? lol
Dec 23, 2011 23:19:57 #
Wow... Gonna be tough... High ISO... Use you car as the tripod... Wide angles... Wide open F stop... And a bit of luck... Would love to see your results!...
Dec 23, 2011 23:22:35 #
Oh sorry I have a Canon Rebel XT. I'm not a beginner but I am new to the manual usage ... up until a couple months ago I only used auto.
Now though I can't bring myself to use AF it just seems the lazy way out.
Now though I can't bring myself to use AF it just seems the lazy way out.
Dec 23, 2011 23:26:10 #
What lens and speed, for you have a camera that will do the job, and if speed is good you could shoot hand held with window support at a speed of 1/25 depending on lens speed with a high iso, as mentioned previously. L3
photogrl57 wrote:
Oh sorry I have a Canon Rebel XT. I'm not a beginner but I am new to the manual usage ... up until a couple months ago I only used auto.
Dec 23, 2011 23:31:10 #
ltruex wrote:
What lens and speed, for you have a camera that will do the job, and if speed is good you could shoot hand held with window support at a speed of 1/25 depending on lens speed with a high iso, as mentioned previously. L3
photogrl57 wrote:
Oh sorry I have a Canon Rebel XT. I'm not a beginner but I am new to the manual usage ... up until a couple months ago I only used auto.
I'm using the basic lens 28-105 that came with it ... that's easier than using the telephoto .. seems overkill.
Dec 23, 2011 23:52:16 #
Well that 28-105 f/3.5 is slow but it means you must take longer to hold the shot or increase the iso...I do use Canon, but not familar with the Rebel XT iso limits. Here is what I would try...ISO 1600 and 28mm set to maximum range (you will have in focus everything beyond 3 feet away). and shoot time first effort 1/2 second...if too dark increase the time and shouldn't have to go much beyond one second. It won't hurt to try and each shot will tell you which way to go. It's fun and worth your time...post some images, for I'm looking forward to your results. L3
photogrl57 wrote:
quote=ltruex What lens and speed, for you have a ... (show quote)
Dec 23, 2011 23:55:00 #
AvailableLight wrote:
Wow... Gonna be tough... High ISO... Use you car as the tripod... Wide angles... Wide open F stop... And a bit of luck... Would love to see your results!...
Ok I set it on AV (aperture priority) ISO on 1600 so we'll see what happens ... might have to use the mini tripod afterall if I can't keep my hands steady ... thanks for the advice.
Dec 23, 2011 23:57:32 #
Dec 24, 2011 00:47:53 #
photogrl57 wrote:
Ok I set it on AV (aperture priority) ISO on 1600 so we'll see what happens ... might have to use the mini tripod afterall if I can't keep my hands steady ... thanks for the advice.
AvailableLight wrote:
Wow... Gonna be tough... High ISO... Use you car as the tripod... Wide angles... Wide open F stop... And a bit of luck... Would love to see your results!...
Ok I set it on AV (aperture priority) ISO on 1600 so we'll see what happens ... might have to use the mini tripod afterall if I can't keep my hands steady ... thanks for the advice.
If you're using "aperture priority" the cam is still in a "auto" mode... You pick the "aperture" the cam picks the "correct" shutter speed... Sort of "semi automatic" mode... Your results will be long exposures, and blasted by lights as the meterig struggles to put the (mostly dark) photo at a neutral grey point between the bright lights and dark background that your internal meter "thinks" is right... It's very easy to "trick" your meter into not working for you... Like with strong backlighting...
Happy Holidays To All!
Dec 24, 2011 01:34:43 #
AvailableLight wrote:
quote=photogrl57 quote=AvailableLight Wow... Gon... (show quote)
UGH no wonder .... well that totally sucked ... 59 pictures and not one decent one in the bunch.
Dec 24, 2011 06:42:50 #
Dec 24, 2011 06:47:23 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Thanks Jerry I just finished saying those same words to my hubby who gave me a deer in the headlight look LOL.
Dec 24, 2011 08:40:23 #
overthemoon
Loc: Wisconsin
jerryc41 wrote:
This article was really helpful and I can use some of these tips when I go to Washington DC and do night photography of the monuments.
Dec 24, 2011 10:06:21 #
I seem to have missed something by going to bed...it was a shooting test take a shot, look at the results and adjust settings as desired. I didn't consider you might use other than manual settings which totally gives you the exposure control...but if you try again, please shoot some street lights before taking a series and adjust the camera till you have an image of choice. You don't need a tripod honestly for my hands shake, and I still get good shots... I didn't mean to leave you short changed...sorry. L3
photogrl57 wrote:
quote=AvailableLight quote=photogrl57 quote=Ava... (show quote)
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