First attempt at night xmas lights
Dec 30, 2013 22:06:54 #
wabbag
Loc: New Boston ,MI.
Thank you I will give that a try .I did have the camera on a tripod . I was trying to catch the sky just after sunset.I was caught up in trying to the proper exposure and the compostion was not very good .Thanks for the tip.
Dec 31, 2013 09:43:51 #
Were you focusing on the sky? Maybe why I was thinking the lights didn't look in sharp focus. Also, if you were trying to get sunset colors, you will want to expose for the sky - or just use exposure compensation to around -0.7 or -1.0 to offset the fact that the camera wanted to lighten up the whole image because of darker house and lawn.
I tried a couple of edits. On #2 I attempted to clone out the telephone pole, but didn't do such a hot job :)
I tried a couple of edits. On #2 I attempted to clone out the telephone pole, but didn't do such a hot job :)
Dec 31, 2013 10:38:30 #
[quote=wabbag]Hi, Wabbag. Your will learn fast with wonderful questions like this. The camera thinks you are taking the black background and "opens up" to allow more light in. This makes the lights more white and less color. I often take a shot and loot at it, then make a change and take again. I hope you used a tripod...3 seconds is too long to hand hold. I would have cut the time to 2 seconds and try that. Your specs are below and a try at making it darker. David PS I would also wait till a bit later. It is hard to take Christmas lights and lit sky.
Dec 31, 2013 11:23:46 #
wabbag
Loc: New Boston ,MI.
Thanks Meives , I did use a tripod but I had the camera set to spot metering by mistake I thought it was on matrix .I was using hyperfocal distance of 5 feet.I thought everything from 3.9 feet to infinity should have been in focus.I was using a chart from my phone but that was for f 22 @ 28mm fl I must not have corrected that when I went to 55mm.So much to learn and a small brain to fit it all into but I have learned lots of things from people on here such as yourself .Thanks for everything .I'll keep trying .
Dec 31, 2013 12:04:02 #
[quote=wabbag]Your focus was fine. With f-22 you have a large DOF (depth of field). The camera can not take bright lights and sky and dark at the same time. You eye can see this, but the camera has to be adjusted for the best of what the subject is. You did great with the tripod. Good luck. David
Jan 1, 2014 06:09:02 #
I just want to say that you have the right attitude and know a lot already. In time, your skills will improve further and both your photography and editing will show that. Others have given good advice and edited your images, so I won't add to that. I particularly like the idea of shooting during the blue hour. I was hoping to do the same myself but didn't manage to get out at the right time.
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