[HELP] My virgin attempt @ Marina Barrage night shots

[xAndreadx]

I don't know what wrong but I can't seem to get my photos look sharp or like the other CSers photos in this section. Need advice. Only the top 2 had some PP done. the rest are straight from cam. used a 500D + 15-85mm. i just got this lens and wanted to try it. did i get a 'bad' copy of this lens?

1. f/11, 30s, ISO100


2. f/10, 20s, ISO100


3. f/13, 30s, ISO100


4. f/11, 25s, ISO100


5. f/11, 20s, ISO100


*pleas ignore the different sizes, couldn't get the resize to work.

Please advice.

thanks

 

[prodigal roommate]

you need a tripod and long exposure.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43498553@N06/4238978831/

 

[Hollander]

What is your setting? ISO? AV ?

 

[yc2005]

Is it a windy day when you shoot this? I suspect maybe your tripod is not steady enough plus windy conditions?
Also, for such long exposures, you need to use mirror lockup and remote ( or at least 2sec delay) as any minute movement will result in blur shots

On a side note, i think your shots are under-exposed. Use bulb mode instead. Have fun

 

[daredevil123]

What kind of tripod are you using? and how did you set up your tripod?

I find for wider angles, mirror slap do not affect the shot noticeably. So far I do not have any problems just firing off, and I still get very sharp pictures.

 

[daredevil123]

you need a tripod and long exposure.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43498553@N06/4238978831/

He is using a tripod and he is doing long exposure. Check the EXIF, how can he maintain a 30 second exposure using hands?

What is your setting? ISO? AV ?

Check the EXIF of the pictures. It is all there.

 

[denniskee]

hi ts, best u put up the details like aperture, shutter speed, iso, tripod etc. not everybody knows how to check the EXIF data or will be bother to do so since u didnt.

there can be lots of possible reason, without giving us as much shooting parameters, how can we narrow down the possibilities?

 

[dingaroo]

Is it a windy day when you shoot this? I suspect maybe your tripod is not steady enough plus windy conditions?
Also, for such long exposures, you need to use mirror lockup and remote ( or at least 2sec delay) as any minute movement will result in blur shots

On a side note, i think your shots are under-exposed. Use bulb mode instead. Have fun

@yc2005
Bulb mode? Why?

@xAndreadx
If using a tripod without a hook underneath the central column, go buy an S-hook from any household shop/market and hook it near the central column and weigh the setup with yr bag, or something heavy to keep the tripod stable.

HTH.

 

[xAndreadx]

o ok. i was using a brandless tripod which i borrowed from a friend, figured will be enough. i was observing the tripod throughout the exposures but i don't notice any shakes or wobbles. will be getting one for myself though. alright, will post EXIF setting on.

one question though, how is bulb mode more superior than 30 seconds exposure in this shooting condition?

thanks

 

[xAndreadx]

i went there at 1am - 2am plus. might that also be a reason for the bad photos?

 

[prodigal roommate]

i went there at 1am - 2am plus. might that also be a reason for the bad photos?

could be, if weather condition is normal (meaning not overly cloudy or hazy) - you can standby before sunset and catch the scenery at different times during sunset + a bit more time after that. The sky will be a more pleasing blue, instead of pitch black.

Go shoot again, sure better.

 

[daredevil123]

o ok. i was using a brandless tripod which i borrowed from a friend, figured will be enough. i was observing the tripod throughout the exposures but i don't notice any shakes or wobbles. will be getting one for myself though. alright, will post EXIF setting on.

one question though, how is bulb mode more superior than 30 seconds exposure in this shooting condition?

thanks

Probably the tripod is not stable enough. Please note that ground vibrations can also affect the stability if your tripod is not stable enough. Wind will also affect your shots. And looking at the water in your shots, it seems to be quite choppy, meaning there must be quite a bit of a breeze blowing. This can also cause shake to your camera. Also, be sure to wind your neck strap up and hook it somewhere (mine is removable via clips). A neck strap swaying in the wind will also give you some shake.

Bulb mode is good if you have exposures more than 30 seconds. I do not see an advantage of using bulb if your exposure is 30 seconds or less.

This is my take quite a while back. Used a tamron 17-50/2.8 on a D40x on a cheap but very heavy Velbon tripod (heavy=stable).

 

[Numnumball]

Tripod is essential in night photography, alongside cable release (or remote), if u have none of the 2, use Mirror up function, try removing any UV filter u have on to prevent any flaring. Use black card (as a 2nd shutter) sparingly to trim down on unwanted overexposureness and subjects. It helps in minimizing the cam shake forlong exposures as well. Lastly to note is diffraction limits lens performance.. IQ auto degrades when You stopped down too much (F22 & above)

HTH

 

[Numnumball]

Btw, great shot bro :thumbsup:

 

[xAndreadx]

thanks all for the advice. will try out again soon. headed there again recently but the haze was overwhelming. didn't produce anything good

 

[manutd8613]

Do u use manual mode, bulb mode and manual focus on the lens.....???