One thing I've missed about Chicago while on the island is the opportunity to do night photography other than sunsets. Last night we were in town for a concert at the community center followed by ice cream at Daddy Frank's (how small town does this sound??). By the time we were done, town was pretty deserted so I set up for a long exposure night shot. And then someone turned on their car lights and just sat there. I couldn't wait too long as others were waiting for me to finish so we could get home. So, my city lights now show 'heavy traffic' on Main Street with the car coming toward me and the slight red trail as a car left in the other directions.
@kareenking Thanks Kareen. Yes, I think they are called light bursts, but maybe also could be called flares.
@darylo Thanks Daryl. I was using my nifty fifty 1.4, set to f/16, ISO at 100, and shutter speed for 20 sections, with camera set up on the street on my gorillapod.
Wonderful starbursts Taffy! I was wondering how you always manage to have your tripod with you, the gorillapod is a great idea but it wouldn't hold anything too heavy would it (as in a longer lens).
@bella_ss I've had the same feeling as I've had the gorilla pod for 3 years and had used it only with a smaller point and shoot. But, watching Michael on our Japan trip use it, I realized that if you are careful, it can handle the bigger camera. I have mostly used it with the 50, but had my macro on it (105mm Nikkor which is heavy), and it was fine. I wouldn't use it on shaky ground, and wouldn't have it as my main tripod, but it really is handy. And there are several models -- mine is the one that is advertised as handling DSLRs. It's a fairly sturdy little thing with a ball/socket top.
@taffy Thanks Taffy, it sounds like something I should be adding to my camera bag to always have just in case. So often I have to find a rock or deck to place the camera on and it's never as good as being held properly.
@bella_ss Yes, that's how I'm using it -- not for major photo walks at night when I'd want my 'real' tripod, but I'm now carrying it in my kit and have used it spontaneously a few times now.
Love the starbursts Taffy. I commented on Flickr that I thought it looked so much better on there. @bella_ss I saw a review where a gorilla pod took up to 6lb which is about 3 kilos. I am thing i may invest too.
I really like this crop, the horizon being at a better height now. I don't know if you have tried reducing the amount of sky as well, but personally I wouldn't.
Lovely night shot. Just to say when the b and w mentoring project kicks off I'm in. My absence hasn't lasted long.... Thanks. Hope you're enjoying your time away, looks like you are.
@newbank I figured August 1 and we set it for 2 weeks, check in on the 14th, and then decide whether to keep going. I'm still trying to figure out what the 'it' will be in the b&w. Any thoughts on it? Maybe take different styles each week? Like high contrast week, high key week, low key week...something like that? That's what's holding up my email to the group. I don't feel very expert in this at all even though I love b&w.
Sounds good to me. I've done bits before but less so recently as trying other techniques, if some of the others have done v little b and w, perhaps start by just converting their normal style of shots into b and w and see how that changes the feel of the image? Or taking images that have taken and disregarded and convert them and see if that makes them come alive? I think the key, well for me, is to "see" in b and w and that that is so different to colour. Then move on to the many different styles of b and w. What do you think?
I've only ever seen starburst photos taken in larger cities - this is a fun twist on the expected! There is so much space in between the starbursts (which lets them shine individually), and the sky is such a dominant component of the photo, it really gives a feeling of vastness and emptiness - seclusion. I think I would have preferred the photo more without the car headlights, but what are you going to do? All in all, I really enjoy this!
@darylo Thanks Daryl. I was using my nifty fifty 1.4, set to f/16, ISO at 100, and shutter speed for 20 sections, with camera set up on the street on my gorillapod.