How to better capture this scene?
Dec 10, 2017 22:56:09 #
genocolo
Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island
Just decorated this tree behind our home in the Vail Valley. How can I better capture this scene?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Dec 10, 2017 23:03:37 #
Try taking the picture at dusk or dawn when there is more ambient light. Fill more of the frame with the tree. Get a low perspective and shoot up, maybe placing the center of the tree at a diagonal.
Dec 10, 2017 23:08:11 #
You could photograph after the sun has gone down but when there's still some blue in the sky. Don't wait until the sky is totally black. You'll have about 20 minutes or so. When you do that other objects in the area will be visible so you might have to do your best to avoid distracting elements in the photo.
Dec 10, 2017 23:26:24 #
whwiden wrote:
Try taking the picture at dusk or dawn when there is more ambient light. Fill more of the frame with the tree. Get a low perspective and shoot up, maybe placing the center of the tree at a diagonal.
I concur. The cameras meter is allowing all of those bulbs to be really hot. In darkness, you might try a -2 to -3 EC (exposure compensation) assuming you’re using a shutter/aperture priority mode.
Dec 11, 2017 00:57:52 #
Set your camera as you would a nightime exposure to capture the stars. Google the 500 rule and calculate for your lens of choice. Lets say you are ar ISO 3200, 30 sec to get the sky and stars.
At the start of the exposure, flash the tree lights on and off quickly. You are aiming for a light painting effect with the tree.
At the start of the exposure, flash the tree lights on and off quickly. You are aiming for a light painting effect with the tree.
Dec 11, 2017 01:18:55 #
FWIW, I think this an exception to the rule of thirds. Take the suggestions regarding timing of shot and maybe perspective, but center the tree.
Dec 11, 2017 06:13:08 #
BHC wrote:
FWIW, I think this an exception to the rule of thirds. Take the suggestions regarding timing of shot and maybe perspective, but center the tree.
Or maybe add a couple of kids looking up at the tree on the right ?
Dec 11, 2017 07:30:30 #
The comments about shooting earlier while there's still light in the sky is the best idea along with exposure settings that don't blow the highlights on the tree lights. Don't take just one shot. Capture every few minutes thru the 20ish minutes as the sky changes from mid blue to dark blue to full dark. This is easiest done with a tripod which would have helped this image too. Get closer too. If you look at this version and cropped in closer using only of the middle-left portion, set your tripod closer and generate this image in the camera.
You'll end up with 20 - 50 versions and then you can pick and process the best / best few for maybe something more too your liking.
You'll end up with 20 - 50 versions and then you can pick and process the best / best few for maybe something more too your liking.
Dec 11, 2017 08:56:43 #
Is there a second tree behind the front one or are they reflections? Were you shooting through a window?
Dec 11, 2017 09:55:23 #
genocolo
Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island
Yes, shooting through window. I actually kind of like the effect. But I am venturing outside tonight also.
In light of the helpful comments so far, I am going to try some of these tonight.
Weather here is clear and cold with little snow. Very unusual for almost mid December.
In light of the helpful comments so far, I am going to try some of these tonight.
Weather here is clear and cold with little snow. Very unusual for almost mid December.
Dec 11, 2017 10:02:14 #
genocolo
Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island
CHG_CANON wrote:
The comments about shooting earlier while there's ... (show quote)
Please elaborate on “exposure settings that don’t blow the highlights.” Thanks.
Dec 11, 2017 15:57:06 #
genocolo wrote:
Please elaborate on “exposure settings that don’t blow the highlights.” Thanks.
Bruce suggested negative exposure compensation. You might spot meter a light too. You can use the back on the camera and zoom in on a light. If there's no detail, your ISO is too high or shutter duration is too long or aperture is too wide. You can adjust the applicable side of the triangle as fits your artistic vision.
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