How Do I Get This Shot In Focus?
May 22, 2012 12:45:29 #
deayala1
Loc: Pleasanton, CA
Took this shot on a tripod. Nikon D5100, 18-200mm, 18mm, iso 400. 0 EV, f4, 1/4 sec, flourescent WB. The longer the exposure the fuzzier the neon sign gets.
May 22, 2012 12:57:34 #
the neon in a neon sign is a gas that moves in the tube. what you got is motion blur from the neon. try bumping up your iso so you can shoot with faster shutter speed. if you have a 50 mm lens with a maximum f stop of 1.8 or 1.4 use that lens instead and get a little closer and shoot at maximum apeture.
May 22, 2012 16:24:21 #
The neon sign is overexposed. If you shoot to get the sign exposed correctly, the other areas will be dark.
If you want detail in both, you'll have to combine at least two exposures in post-processing.
Doesn't have to be HDR, but it can be done.
Another option- start shooting when it's brighter outside...
Start at dusk after the sign is on so:
(1) you get more daylight to expose the overall scene
(2) you'll get a sky to define the building
(3) the neon won't be so bright in comparison.
If you know the owner, have them turn on the room lights if they aren't already.
And stop the lens down a bit- at f4 you're almost wide open and it's not going to be the sharpest with that lens. Even one stop will help.
If you want detail in both, you'll have to combine at least two exposures in post-processing.
Doesn't have to be HDR, but it can be done.
Another option- start shooting when it's brighter outside...
Start at dusk after the sign is on so:
(1) you get more daylight to expose the overall scene
(2) you'll get a sky to define the building
(3) the neon won't be so bright in comparison.
If you know the owner, have them turn on the room lights if they aren't already.
And stop the lens down a bit- at f4 you're almost wide open and it's not going to be the sharpest with that lens. Even one stop will help.
May 22, 2012 23:00:02 #
yep, I think you will need a couple of images, one exposed for the sign and one for the rest them paste in the sign.
May 22, 2012 23:05:34 #
May 22, 2012 23:09:45 #
gdwsr wrote:
yep, I think you will need a couple of images, one exposed for the sign and one for the rest them paste in the sign.
I downloaded the photo and played with it.
There is an interesting roof on top of that building.
You just can't see it.
Gotta go with at least three exposures or shoot when it's lighter to get a sky.
May 22, 2012 23:43:18 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I downloaded the photo and played with it.
There is an interesting roof on top of that building.
You just can't see it.
Gotta go with at least three exposures or shoot when it's lighter to get a sky.
gdwsr wrote:
yep, I think you will need a couple of images, one exposed for the sign and one for the rest them paste in the sign.
I downloaded the photo and played with it.
There is an interesting roof on top of that building.
You just can't see it.
Gotta go with at least three exposures or shoot when it's lighter to get a sky.
I agree. I guess I kind of rushed my reply. Because of the glow beyond the sign different times of the evening I agree would be in order. I might even be inclined to shoot it at a time when the sign and rest of the scene could be nicely exposed and make it look like a night shot in post.
May 23, 2012 01:53:49 #
micro wrote:
The d5100 has in camera HDR.
Would be interesting to see how well it works.
I think it uses only two exposures, but that should be better than just one.
May 23, 2012 06:04:57 #
deayala1 wrote:
.Took this shot on a tripod. Nikon D5100, 18-200mm, 18mm, iso 400. 0 EV, f4, 1/4 sec, flourescent WB. The longer the exposure the fuzzier the neon sign gets.
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May 23, 2012 07:04:09 #
Wouldn't a graduated ND filter help? You could darken the neon sign and effectively brighten the area below the balcony, reducing the overall contrast range.
May 23, 2012 07:58:40 #
penguinpete wrote:
The areas next to the sign would go black leaving you with other problems.Wouldn't a graduated ND filter help? You could darken the neon sign and effectively brighten the area below the balcony, reducing the overall contrast range.
May 23, 2012 08:05:19 #
warrior wrote:
Free trial: http://www.topazlabs.com (Focus) 30 day.
deayala1 wrote:
.Took this shot on a tripod. Nikon D5100, 18-200mm, 18mm, iso 400. 0 EV, f4, 1/4 sec, flourescent WB. The longer the exposure the fuzzier the neon sign gets.
Free trial: http://www.topazlabs.com (Focus) 30 day.
Some really nice software! I'm going to download some free trials today for sure. Thanks for the link.
Contrary to the title, the OP is not having focus issues. The problem is exposure.
May 23, 2012 09:43:48 #
if i was there ,i would call a bunch of hedgdhogs over for a shoot off.i bet we would come up with some wild shots.
May 23, 2012 09:44:38 #
deayala1 wrote:
Took this shot on a tripod. Nikon D5100, 18-200mm, 18mm, iso 400. 0 EV, f4, 1/4 sec, flourescent WB. The longer the exposure the fuzzier the neon sign gets.
May 23, 2012 09:45:59 #
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