How photograph lighted fountain?
Feb 28, 2013 07:13:54 #
If all else fails, use a narrow depth of field and create some nice bokeh with the offending lights. If your lens is up to the task.
Feb 28, 2013 07:47:08 #
Kenny wrote:
At the entrance to the local community college the... (show quote)
These links might help.
http://www.exploringnevada.com/photographs/how-photograph-bellagio.php
http://shuttermike.com/photo-of-the-day/photo-of-the-day-night-fountain/
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=69102
http://www.kadamsphoto.com/nightphotography/fountain-fever-night-photo-by-kate-silvia-in-ppsop-class/
http://photography.about.com/od/nightphotography/ss/NightPhotog.htm
Feb 28, 2013 07:56:23 #
Djtravels, that's also an excellent idea. I took a picture of a fountain in my area in that way and it came out great.
Feb 28, 2013 08:54:42 #
Kenny wrote:
George, I like the ladder idea!
David Dennis wrote:
Talking to the custodian is probably the best way to start, but how about trying to shoot them from above, like from the roof of a building, or from a tall ladder you bring (or the custodian provides, should you make friends with him).
D
D
George, I like the ladder idea!
He said he was 75, lets not put him on a ladder.
Feb 28, 2013 09:16:28 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
This reminds me of a trip I made to Las Vegas in the 1980's. I wanted a photo of Caesars Palace with the Fountains- waited until late at night, set up my tripod and Bronica with 40MM wide; was screwing in the cable release when the lights went out. Dragged all the gear from MI, and it was our last night there. Oh, well.
Feb 28, 2013 10:47:15 #
Kenny wrote:
At the entrance to the local community college the... (show quote)
Hi good morning, What about the idea of laying down at night by the fountain with a WIDE ANGLE lens and shoot upward see what happens then.
Feb 28, 2013 11:05:45 #
Here's one I shot at the fountain in the park at night. Settings:
Time: 10:25 pm
ISO - 3200
F 5.6
Shutter 1/64
Time: 10:25 pm
ISO - 3200
F 5.6
Shutter 1/64
Feb 28, 2013 11:31:46 #
Another less ethical approach would be to find the photocell. Most parking lot lighting is controlled by a contactor (electrically operated switch) the contactor usually is controlled by a photocell. Point and hold a flashlight at the photocell and around a minute later, the lights will go out.
Feb 28, 2013 12:25:41 #
Rather than asking the custodian, ask at the Public Relations office. They may be interested in the project and 'tell' the custodian to help you in any - all - ways you need. Or, they may 'steel' the idea for their staff photog to shoot.
Feb 28, 2013 12:29:08 #
Another issue might be to think about relative levels of light. All light levels are relative..you can take shots during the day that seem to be taken at night.
If you lit the fountain with a flash behind it or two on the side...what would the brightness difference be between that and the parking lot lights?
If you could do that, then it would be a matter of adjusting the shutter speed and ISO to eliminate the ambient (parking lot lights) and leave the flash.
Watch this video...shot in a bright room and it comes out with all black except for the flash area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91gU93J2Q8k
If you lit the fountain with a flash behind it or two on the side...what would the brightness difference be between that and the parking lot lights?
If you could do that, then it would be a matter of adjusting the shutter speed and ISO to eliminate the ambient (parking lot lights) and leave the flash.
Watch this video...shot in a bright room and it comes out with all black except for the flash area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91gU93J2Q8k
Feb 28, 2013 12:36:09 #
I'd be willing to bet that #1, they do not have direct control of the lights; #2, they would not be willing to shut off their lights, which are used for security and safety, just so you could take a picture.
The street light in front of our house has a light sensor on top, so it turns on automatically when it is necessary.
The street light in front of our house has a light sensor on top, so it turns on automatically when it is necessary.
Feb 28, 2013 12:44:20 #
I have to admit that all you fine folks have given me some terrific ideas. The idea of climbing ladders, etc, scare me. at my age (septuagenarian) even a fall from a small height would probably break every bone in my body. But, I like to ideas of working with the school to get the parking lights turned off for a few moments, or geting sone students to help.
I also like the ides of using flashes. The posted photo is exactly similar to what I hope to achieve.
I visit the college every Tuesday night to rehearse and perform with their orchestra, so maybe they will give me a break.
If I get any photos I am not too ashamed to post here, I will do so. It rains a lot in Oregon, so I will have to wait for a reasonably dry day.
I also like the ides of using flashes. The posted photo is exactly similar to what I hope to achieve.
I visit the college every Tuesday night to rehearse and perform with their orchestra, so maybe they will give me a break.
If I get any photos I am not too ashamed to post here, I will do so. It rains a lot in Oregon, so I will have to wait for a reasonably dry day.
Feb 28, 2013 22:01:52 #
Here's another thought: Maybe this isn't as bad as you think.
Your post made me remember that in December of last year, as Downtown West Palm Beach was filled with elaborate lighting and color, their zillion dollar fountain was still pretty darn impressive.
So here are a couple of pictures, both of which I think have significant amounts of light in the background. I'll let you judge for yourself how they look, and therefore how distracting background light actually is. In some shots I actually think it enhanced the picture.
I believe the second one incorporates my earlier suggestion to use a low angle, which might be of interest.
Hope that helps (and looks good : ) ).
D
Your post made me remember that in December of last year, as Downtown West Palm Beach was filled with elaborate lighting and color, their zillion dollar fountain was still pretty darn impressive.
So here are a couple of pictures, both of which I think have significant amounts of light in the background. I'll let you judge for yourself how they look, and therefore how distracting background light actually is. In some shots I actually think it enhanced the picture.
I believe the second one incorporates my earlier suggestion to use a low angle, which might be of interest.
Hope that helps (and looks good : ) ).
D
Feb 28, 2013 22:46:45 #
Kenny wrote:
I have to admit that all you fine folks have given... (show quote)
You can shoot in the rain too; just bundle up and remember to cover the camera.
Mar 1, 2013 08:04:45 #
Zenith701
Loc: Southern California
Not sure but on some fountains if you lie down and shoot at a high angle you would get fountain lights with only night sky as back ground. That may not be the shot you want. Just a thought
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