I know it is easier to take pictures off the bus than on it but sometimes the bus just will not stop. So, is there a formula or can someone offer some good advice for setting up for the sideways landscape shot, i.e. high iso + high shutter speed + low aperture or Auto or? Gracias!
High shutter speed and the ISO and aperature to get it. Don't lean the camera to the glass because of vibration. Try to not shoot through reflections or at least focus beyond them. Plan on lots of rejects.
bsprague wrote:
High shutter speed and the ISO and aperature to get it. Don't lean the camera to the glass because of vibration. Try to not shoot through reflections or at least focus beyond them. Plan on lots of rejects.
Agree. And of course you can only hope the window does not have dirt or smudge marks.
I usually set my Nikon D5300 on the sport setting and automatic ISO to get a higher shutter speed and rarely have blue from the bus.
Tommyg wrote:
I know it is easier to take pictures off the bus than on it but sometimes the bus just will not stop. So, is there a formula or can someone offer some good advice for setting up for the sideways landscape shot, i.e. high iso + high shutter speed + low aperture or Auto or? Gracias!
All good advice above.
I will add, shoot multiple frames (and be prepared for that inivetable telephone pole in the best frame). You can pan to reduce motion blur, but please take care not to bean a fellow bus passenger. Pressing your lens hood (lightly) against the glass will reduce reflections but limit your ability to frame the shot. Usually, focusing on infinity works best, then you don’t have to fuss with focus. Bring a cloth to wipe smudges off the window. And be sure to get a window seat on the bus. Sometimes the front seat, with a view out the big window can be fun. And video can be good too.
If you can , facing forward is best. Usually, tho, the front passenger seats are either facing sideways, or a bit too far back.
Shots out the side need a high shutter speed.
I take lots of photos whild I'm driving (with my cell phone.. shhhhhh...)
And side ones are hit or miss. I dont look at the phone tho, just hold it up somewhere in the general direction.
More fuzzies than not....
The height of the bus is good tho...
I drive a semi, about the same height as a bus, so sometimes I get a good shot from just sheer luck.
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
Tommyg wrote:
I know it is easier to take pictures off the bus than on it but sometimes the bus just will not stop. So, is there a formula or can someone offer some good advice for setting up for the sideways landscape shot, i.e. high iso + high shutter speed + low aperture or Auto or? Gracias!
All good advice. Shutter speeds of 1000, 2000, or higher will help. You might want to limit how high the ISO goes unless you cannot reach proper exposure. If you can rent a camera body with 5-axis stabilization you should be able to increase your keepers. It took until getting a five-axis stabilization body before I had any really successful bus shots (and only attempted at my wife's request for some). While you are traveling, and there are unimportant subjects, practice on them so when you come upon a shot you want, you will have a chance.
Tommyg wrote:
I know it is easier to take pictures off the bus than on it but sometimes the bus just will not stop. So, is there a formula or can someone offer some good advice for setting up for the sideways landscape shot, i.e. high iso + high shutter speed + low aperture or Auto or? Gracias!
You can get excellent photos through a bus window as long as the bus window has good glass. Even the dirtiness of the window is less a concern than if the glass warps the light .
All good advice noted here.
I got some of my best photos from the bus window in Ireland last year....even liked them more than my Cliffs of Mohr tripod photos :-)
Tommyg wrote:
I know it is easier to take pictures off the bus than on it but sometimes the bus just will not stop. So, is there a formula or can someone offer some good advice for setting up for the sideways landscape shot, i.e. high iso + high shutter speed + low aperture or Auto or? Gracias!
Lots of good advice here, I'll add go with the widest lens you can. Shorter lens less noticeable camera movement.
Use a polarizing filter to cut down on reflections from inside the bus.
i would use shutter mode at 1/500 or even 1/1000,use a narrow aperture and increase your ISO to 400 and even 800 and even if there is going to be a digital noise,you can use the denoise option to reduce the noise,hope this helps,good luck
joseph premanandan wrote:
i would use shutter mode at 1/500 or even 1/1000,use a narrow aperture and increase your ISO to 400 and even 800 and even if there is going to be a digital noise,you can use the denoise option to reduce the noise,hope this helps,good luck
I agree with 1/500 to 1/1000 shutter speed. Many of the newer camera can easily go to ISO 1000 or 1200 with very little noise. That would be worth experimenting with before going on the tour. :-)
mwsilvers wrote:
Agree. And of course you can only hope the window does not have dirt or smudge marks.
Make sure you have a lens wipe or two with you. I got on a plane one time and someone before me with greasy hair? must have slept against the window.....
All good advice as to camera settings and using a polarizing filter. I have also used a Lenskirt with good results. The Lenskirt attaches to the window via four small suction cups. The lens goes into the (black) skirt which cuts window glare and you look through the eyepiece as per normal. It does take a little practice to avoid getting photos of the inside of the skirt itself. B&H sells the skirt. It is a little pricey at about $48. I had some good results on the train from Fort William to Glasgow Scotland.
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