I feel like it is a lot easier to just go out and shoot, see what you get, and then review what you could have done differently. This gung-ho approach probably isn’t the most efficient way of learning the skill of photography in the long run, but it’s overwhelming (for me at least) to keep some sort of formula in my head that I haven’t applied yet. That being said, once I get something right while shooting, it sticks better; I think back to a time and place rather than ISO numbers and what setting I was shooting in.
ISO 800, f/10, 15 sec
These two shots are some of my favorites that I have captured since getting into photography. And it’s because my gung-ho, shoot now and learn later approach paid off. I won’t go as far to say that I went into the desert at night, cold-turkey, and did not read anything about some night shots. Obviously, there’s some technique that’s required (and a tripod). Loosely applying that with some luck and determination, I was able to capture this martian feel.
ISO 6400, f/18, 30 sec
I took what I could get with a full moon and limited to no light pollution. I broke my cheap tripod in the process, but it was a sacrifice that I think was worth the shot. I did some post-editing; removed some spots on my lens and fixed the lighting just so the foreground was better contrasted against the background.
Is there anyway to open a shutter longer than the longest time on the shutter (Tv) setting? I could only go for 30 seconds on my Rebel T3i.
PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE (OR ANY) OF MY PHOTOGRAPHS WITHOUT MY CONSENT
That top shot is gorgeous. Love your technique. “-) Vivian
Thanks Vivian! I prefer the bottom maybe because of the martian feel. The top was taken earlier in the evening and closer to 29 Palms. So maybe? the town’s light pollution (if it could be even called that since it was so small) had some sort of positive effect.
Remember why you are taking photos; for fun. if you enjoy your approach then it’s good.
You need to use the “bulb” setting for exposures longer than 30 seconds (may be marked “B” on Canon cameras; I don’t know for sure as I shoot with a Nikon). The shutter opens when you press it once and closes when you press it a second time. So the length of exposure is entirely up to you (but you need a watch that you can read in the dark).
Thanks again, James
Your answers are much appreciated!
The t2i that I us has a “Bulb” setting that allows the shutter to open once you press it and closes when you press it again. It is best to use a remote trigger device so there is no camera shake. The rear screen has a digital timer that is very easy to see and use. I have taken night shots at 5 minutes long and with the remote and a tripod, there is no camera shake.
I’ve been staring at the dial and I’ve been messing around with what I am assuming is the WB…is the t3i that much different or am I overlooking something to access the bulb setting?
Gotta go get my camera. Be right back!
Ok, just as I thought. The dial up top says “M”. The view screen will then say “M” Bulb. Let me know.
I get a whole bunch of information like the shutter speed, ISO, and flash stuff…AHA! I found it! I had to actually click that setting, be in that interface, and scroll past the slowest shutter speed. Is this type of shooting only allowed in M or could I probably get it in Tv too? Looks like only M for me…Thanks for the walk through, much needed.
Only in M.
Especially love the bottom shot. Have taken many moon shots but never got that effect. But then you are much more technically knowledgeable than I am. I just shoot and shoot and play around a lot. Wish I had the technical know-how but with digital it is easier to take hundreds of shots and bracket them and then edit. Film was a lot harder– though richer. Never learned dark room. Can’t help you out with technicals or equipment knowledge. Sorry.
Oh I think I still fall into the shooting and playing around category
I am anticipating this upcoming Digital Photo class I’m taking this semester. At least then I will fully grasp the technicalities…
Joshua Tree was a blast even though we had arrived and it was past sunset shot shooting time. I still feel like me, as the family photographer, got a lot accomplished considering the conditions. (Though my family would’ve liked some daylight shots AND to know what the park actually looked like in daylight.) But on another note, it’s another park visited, and that alone is valuable, I think!
P.S. Joshua Tree looks sublime!
Pingback: Sharpness vs. Softness | Unas Picturas