Using low light for night photography
Nov 12, 2019 07:59:55 #
Headed to Arches over thanksgiving weekend. We were planing on doing some nighttime light painting. But we are finding out that we can only use low light. Anyone here that can help with understanding what that means? How bright can we go and what kind of lighting to bring? Can’t find very much info and when I called the park they didn’t have any answers. My friend and I would like to do some practicing before we go but don’t know what to practice with. Would be grateful for any help. Thanks
Nov 12, 2019 08:05:25 #
I'm guessing that they mean no high wattage "floods", low power lights that will not light up everything for hundreds of feet. Maybe like regular flashlights.
Nov 12, 2019 08:15:04 #
Longshadow wrote:
I'm guessing that they mean no high wattage "floods", low power lights that will not light up everything for hundreds of feet. Maybe like regular flashlights.
Right. They don't want pros setting up a dozen bright flood lights. Flashlights and LEDs should be fine.
Nov 12, 2019 08:22:47 #
FWIW... in my very limited experience, a good flashlight will get the job done. That should also comply with the requirement. Good luck and enjoy!
Nov 12, 2019 08:29:26 #
Yeah I get it they don’t want all this large professional stuff but I am getting the idea they won’t let you use anything larger than a small hiking headlamp size light. And regular flashlights may be too much. But nothing is very clear on what can be used. Thinking about using a penlight but not sure how well that will work, that’s one of the ideas we will be practicing with.
Nov 12, 2019 08:43:22 #
Also any suggestions or help on how to do it would be appreciated, thanks
Nov 12, 2019 09:03:48 #
Nov 12, 2019 09:08:41 #
Nov 12, 2019 09:24:35 #
I don't know about that park, but when I try long exposure on the beach, even the small AA powered cheap flashlights can ruin a frame pretty quick. The tourists love to use them while they walk along the beach looking for crabs or snipes or whatever they do out there. If there are other people out at the location set up for long exposure, you might get away with a red-light on a head lamp. That is pretty much as far as I am willing to push it around my long exposures.
I'm not exactly sure if you are using a light source to highlight areas during a long exposure, but again, if there are others out there, that might not go over very well. Best to make sure you have options available just in case.
I'm not exactly sure if you are using a light source to highlight areas during a long exposure, but again, if there are others out there, that might not go over very well. Best to make sure you have options available just in case.
Nov 12, 2019 09:46:11 #
FYI: I was told by the Rangers at Arches NP that they do NOT allow light painting. Apparently, their have been fights that have broken out at the Delicate Arch over this matter. However, I was there in October and a group of photographers had a huge bright light set up continuously lighting the balanced rock formation for HOURS!......which was very inconsiderate to the dozens of other photographers in that general area who were attempting to photograph the milky way that night! The Rangers at Bryce Canyon NP also do not allow light painting. It is very unfortunate that a few inconsiderate people can ruin it for everyone else. Good luck!
Nov 12, 2019 09:48:13 #
johngault007 wrote:
I don't know about that park, but when I try long ... (show quote)
Agreed, we have already been thinking about other people and not messing things up for them or trying not to add to the current lights that are there by standing off to the side and maybe taking advantage of other people’s lighting.
Nov 12, 2019 10:09:13 #
JayRay wrote:
FYI: I was told by the Rangers at Arches NP that t... (show quote)
Maybe they have specific nights for it? That really would make perfect sense to make sure the no-lighters get what need and also the light painters have an opportunity to get creative on occasion. It is all speculation for me, but I could see the NPS setting something like that up if issues keep escalating.
Nov 12, 2019 10:46:39 #
Bill_de wrote:
Thanks something to check out but I wonder if it may be too bright for what they allow
Nov 12, 2019 10:50:27 #
bgrn wrote:
Headed to Arches over thanksgiving weekend. We we... (show quote)
How can they expect you to follow a rule when they won't define what the rule is?
Nov 12, 2019 11:27:45 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
How can they expect you to follow a rule when they won't define what the rule is?
I have those same thoughts
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