daytime long exposure
Apr 22, 2012 12:17:40 #
I live near Cape Kennedy and have taken photo's of several launches but I haven't attempted a long exposure yet. There's a daytime launch in a week (about 12:30pm) and I've been experimenting with 5-10 second exposures and just can't get it to work. All images are white outs to various degrees. I would like to try to get an exposure of the streak of it lifting off. Maybe it's not possible in the daylight. I've tried different WB, ISO's, exposure compensations to try to have an open shutter but as I said they all are basically just white over exposures. I have a D3100. Should I just wait for a night launch?
Apr 22, 2012 12:31:18 #
I've got the same camera. Noon-time in the Sunshine State is not going to be easy to shoot for the 5-10 seconds. My guess, is that you will need the lowest ISO (100), the smallest aperture (f22 or 32) depending on the focal length AND a Neutral Density Filter ND32 or possibly several. The ND filter (s) unfortunately may degrade your image.
The only other idea would be to use an f256 aperture as found on pinhole cameras. Check You-Tube for inexpensive techniques for making a pinhole or purchase a commercially available quality pinhole.
The only other idea would be to use an f256 aperture as found on pinhole cameras. Check You-Tube for inexpensive techniques for making a pinhole or purchase a commercially available quality pinhole.
Apr 22, 2012 12:40:38 #
Thanks. I'm thinking maybe I should just wait on another evening launch. It's only a mile drive to the local park and I'm right across the river from the launch pads so it's not a big deal as yet. I was just experimenting outside yesterday on 5,8 and 10 second exposures and using all kinds of settings to reduce the amount of light but maybe I'll just work on still shots again.
Apr 22, 2012 12:46:44 #
Apr 22, 2012 13:48:58 #
The neutral density filter should work just fine. With the camera in manual mode and the filter on you should be able to get the shutter speed you want. Keep in mind that with a very long shutter speed moving objects will disappear unless they're brighter than the surrounding area. A long shutter speed is a great way to remove the terrorist. You may however be left with only vapor trails, if your shutter speed is too long with aircraft.
You may want to go the other way and put it together and postprocessing. Not terribly fast the 3100 is still capable of producing about 30 exposures and 10 seconds.
You may want to go the other way and put it together and postprocessing. Not terribly fast the 3100 is still capable of producing about 30 exposures and 10 seconds.
Apr 22, 2012 14:08:42 #
Guy Johnstone wrote:
The neutral density filter should work just fine. ... (show quote)
That's a thought. Sounds like maybe I should wait for an evening launch. As for brightness that shouldn't be a problem. In my 2 years here I've found that the actual liftoffs are sooooo much brighter than even the brightest of skies that you don't see on tv.
Apr 22, 2012 14:17:02 #
Here is an FAQ about ND filters which may help you decide how much ND you need. You can stack ND filters:
FAQ: Neutral Density (ND) Filters for Time Exposures
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26501-1.html
FAQ: Neutral Density (ND) Filters for Time Exposures
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26501-1.html
Apr 22, 2012 22:00:23 #
Google 'daytime long exposures' and other variation from there are there is some excellent advice out there along with sample images
Apr 22, 2012 22:12:12 #
St3v3M wrote:
Google 'daytime long exposures' and other variation from there are there is some excellent advice out there along with sample images
Thanks
Apr 23, 2012 07:02:30 #
Buy a circuliar ND filter ..... it will allow you to vary the "darkness" .... the filter work the same way as a C-PL .... and it is faster than stacking ND filters
Apr 23, 2012 07:06:42 #
You need an ND filter to get longer shutters speeds in bright sun.
I would suggest the LightCraft Fader Variable ND Filter; 1-9 stops of light and it's good quality.
I would suggest the LightCraft Fader Variable ND Filter; 1-9 stops of light and it's good quality.
Apr 23, 2012 07:20:51 #
I tried using my B&W 10X ND filter for the first time the other day with good results. Here's a few tips:
tripod,remote release,manual mode,cover viewfinder with cover or gaffers tape,lowest ISO.
My exposures were correct at 16 sec. although I was expecting much longer... I think the problem may have been that I didn't cover the viewfinder. I'm going to try this again. The the images came out fine but not as dramatic as hoped for...
tripod,remote release,manual mode,cover viewfinder with cover or gaffers tape,lowest ISO.
My exposures were correct at 16 sec. although I was expecting much longer... I think the problem may have been that I didn't cover the viewfinder. I'm going to try this again. The the images came out fine but not as dramatic as hoped for...
Apr 23, 2012 07:41:33 #
melismus
Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country
The vehicle moves through the scene so fast that it will be almost invisible in your long exposure.
Blessings,
Paul
Blessings,
Paul
Apr 23, 2012 07:45:24 #
Apr 23, 2012 07:47:45 #
Guy Johnstone wrote:
You may want to go the other way and put it together and postprocessing. Not terribly fast the 3100 is still capable of producing about 30 exposures and 10 seconds.
I agree with Guy. A long exposure will likely just give an undefined streak. I would suggest going to an airport to take pictures of takeoffs and landings with long exposures and post processing to see which effect you like the most. You will have many opportunities to practice before the big shoot.
Plane landing at BHM
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