PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

It’s about that “B” on my mode dial! Never knew what it did until I decided to try catching Star Trails. Night and low light shots joined my “to learn” list, dabbled with “light painting” and ghosting and made some creative images along the way. Bulb mode was common to all these techniques. (“Bulb” can also be used in combination with a neutral Density (ND) filter for special effects and for turning day into night.) I’ll attempt to illustrate, but I know many of you do it better! So please post!

Review your manual instructions for “Bulb” setting or how to use the lowest shutter speed available on your camera. You may be limited, but, I think “light painting” should be possible for any camera. Long exposures drain batteries; be sure yours are fully charged, grab a tripod, a remote or cable remote (or follow your manual’s suggestions), pick a subject, use a flashlight (a light source or to set up your camera in the dark) and start.

Articles vary as to f-stops and shutter speeds - so just start somewhere and adjust as you go. In general: use low ISO (100) to minimize noise, try an f-stop of 3-8 to start. The articles tell you how to do a set up.

Please pick a couple articles to read on the techniques that interest you: they show and explain better than I. Have an hour and 20 minutes? I highly recommend the You Tube video - especially if all this is new to you.

I’ll be starting with “painting with light” and “ghosting”

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/1293/what-is-bulb-mode-where-is-it-used/

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/01/12/star-trails-how-to-use-your-cameras-bulb-mode-to-capture-stunning-long-exposures/

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/10/18/bulb-mode-hot-to-get-pro-quality-shots-in-low-light/

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/an-introduction-to-light-painting-for-photographers/

http://youtu.be/U4oaf9mfdrQ How to get creative with Long-Exposure Photography 1’20"

Have fun learning something new. Few indicated they use this setting so time to learn something new.

Some things you'll need


I am a very transparent person: a foggy morning just becoming daylight: f22 (it was getting light) ISO 100 11.3 seconds; no PP, just cropped


Same time but getting lighter: f 22 ISO 100 6.9 secs. LED flashlight illuminating face. Stood still, then slowly moved - light trails


After dark ISO 100, f 9.5, 28.6 sec, non-LED flashlight. Stood facing camera first, the slowly turned to either side.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Light Painting - several articles address this. You needn't be outside to do this.

f11 Iso 16.2sec. Using an Led flashlight to "Paint stroke" over the leaves. Straight from camera and obviously underexposed


Could have lowered f stop or increased exposure time, but instead cropped, fooled with temperature and tint, increased highlights and shadows,, decreased "green" hue, saturated the golds


Done indoors, f38, ISO 140, 8.4 seconds an LED flashlight to paint some light over the rose - straight from camera, sharpened


Outdoors, before dawn, snowing. f16, ISO 100, f 6.7 used an LED flashlight on the foreground figure. Straight from camera


Same settings as above, +1/2 stop, Increased black point, highlights and shadows.

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

Great start, Pat. Prepared something special to kick off your challenge. 21 sec at f8, ISO 100. Be back in the morning with more.

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

P.S. Used a laser on the black backdrop.

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Get fresh ones tomorrow.....Shot this one right next to the mouth of the Saguenay River.

Three minutes I think and also when doing these Bulb shots ,always turn off the IS

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

:thumbup: Thanks Ed. Bought some glow stix today to play with but - TOO COLD OUT!

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Good point. Mine automatically turns off when mounted on tripod.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Will be anxious to see your post. I know of one or two I am hoping you post.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

IS = "Image stabilizer"

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

I don't know what you're hoping for and I hope I don't let you down. These will all be new. However, I see in my crystal ball that you won't be disappointed.

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

My pillow is calling to me. See you in the morning.

dane004 Loc: WYOMING

Pat thanks for getting this great challenge started. I enjoyed all of your photos and links.

jacklpine Loc: PEI, CA

Like the stars you got in that pic.

:-D

SUSIE Q Loc: Colton, California

Sometimes ghosts come to your door for a "trick or treat"....

(ok-I admit, it's just my husband volunteering to help with this timed exposure!)

William Loc: Mississippi

think that you have explained it all well