blurry lights on purpose
Jan 1, 2012 18:35:02 #
Hey fellow hedgehogs:
Is it possible to take a picture of, for example, my Christmas tree with the lights blurry (and giving off a starburst effect), but the tree is in focus? I was playing around with all different settings today and could'nt get it.
Thanks
Mike
Is it possible to take a picture of, for example, my Christmas tree with the lights blurry (and giving off a starburst effect), but the tree is in focus? I was playing around with all different settings today and could'nt get it.
Thanks
Mike
Jan 1, 2012 19:05:42 #
Do you mean something like this?
If you want ALL of the lights blurry (out of focus) AND the tree in focus, you're going to have to do that with processing.
I got this by using a large aperture (blurry lights in the background) and a star filter (worked on in-focus lights in focus plane). Part of the tree in in focus, but not all of it.
If I had tried to get the whole tree, it would not have worked.
If you want ALL of the lights blurry (out of focus) AND the tree in focus, you're going to have to do that with processing.
I got this by using a large aperture (blurry lights in the background) and a star filter (worked on in-focus lights in focus plane). Part of the tree in in focus, but not all of it.
If I had tried to get the whole tree, it would not have worked.
Jan 1, 2012 21:28:57 #
Yes, thanks, that is the effect I am trying to get. However, I was taking pics of the whole tree so I will try for just part of the tree. I don't have any filters so that is not an option. I do use photoscape, though- do you have any idea what to do in photoscape?
BTW, I got this idea from looking at my tree without my glasses on (I'm nearsighted)- the lights glistened all over the place- looked cool
BTW, I got this idea from looking at my tree without my glasses on (I'm nearsighted)- the lights glistened all over the place- looked cool
Jan 1, 2012 22:36:24 #
MWojton wrote:
Yes, thanks, that is the effect I am trying to get. However, I was taking pics of the whole tree so I will try for just part of the tree. I don't have any filters so that is not an option. I do use photoscape, though- do you have any idea what to do in photoscape?
BTW, I got this idea from looking at my tree without my glasses on (I'm nearsighted)- the lights glistened all over the place- looked cool
BTW, I got this idea from looking at my tree without my glasses on (I'm nearsighted)- the lights glistened all over the place- looked cool
:lol:
That's a funny way to get inspiration!
But at least it worked!
As for not having any filters, you can use a piece of window screen in front of the lens.
You will get a 4 pointed star out of square screening.
Tip - hold it as close and as tight as you can, and use a large aperture.
It will soften the overall image, but you'll have to determine if it is a problem for yourself.
Good luck, I'd like to see what you come up with.
GT
Jan 2, 2012 09:14:18 #
Long exposures can give you a "stary" effect on the lights. Close your lens down (highest setting ie. F20) and give it a try.
Jan 2, 2012 12:48:39 #
Depending upon the specific camera, the retouch menu often gives the option to add the star effect after you have made the photograph.
Jan 2, 2012 13:19:09 #
Thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately, my camera only goes down to F8.
Maybe I will play around in photoscape.
Maybe I will play around in photoscape.
Jan 2, 2012 14:25:10 #
Make photo #1 of the tree in focus, but with the lights turned off, properly exposed for the tree. Make photo #2 of the tree with the lights turned on, with the 'star gizmo', slightly out of focus, exposed for the lights. Then use PP 'magic' to combine the 2 images. Good luck & have fun.
Jan 2, 2012 15:59:57 #
If you have photoshop or a program that has custom brushes, you can use a 'star' brush and paint in the stars in post production.
Jan 2, 2012 17:06:46 #
I don't know if this will make any difference to you or not but here's one I did the old fashioned way using a star filter.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsphotostuff/3458504020/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsphotostuff/3458504020/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Jan 3, 2012 19:18:21 #
Jan 3, 2012 20:16:15 #
Here is a sample of a 15 second exposure with my lens closed as far as possible (F stop). The spot lights got the star effect. It works well on Christmas lights. The 15 seconds simply depends on the lighting. I shot this with Aperture priority and thus the exposure time was automatic. Nikon D300
Jan 3, 2012 22:27:04 #
Jan 4, 2012 10:46:44 #
Very cool. I will keep playing around. I know the basics- highest F stop your camera will allow. Meanwhile, I did some editing in photoscape- quite proud of myself actually.
Jan 4, 2012 11:09:26 #
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