Congratulations to Kate @masosy for winning the 23rd Camera Settings Challenge, with the photo below!
Kate has kindly asked me to host the next challenge, which I gladly will. :)
Here goes!
*****
Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the “auto” function? These challenges are for you!
This week’s challenge is: nighttime light trails!
Explanation: A "light trail" is achieved by leaving your shutter speed open for a number of seconds. As a light source moves across the sensor (e.g. the headlights of a moving car), it leaves a 'trail' of light that is recorded on the sensor as the photo.
Tips:
- Pick a location with a lot of traffic.
- Pick a location high-up (e.g. on a bridge or overpass), OR low-down (e.g. on the sidewalk) or anywhere where it'll make the composition interesting and give you awesome light trails!
- Think about your surroundings. Buildings, trees, streetlamps. How do they contribute to the composition of the photo?
- Think about the direction the traffic is heading in - how much white or red light do you want on the frame? Do you want traffic lights included? Is the traffic moving in a straight line or are there turns?
Suggested camera settings:
- Switch your camera to Manual mode.
- Set your aperture to somewhere narrow (somewhere between f/11 and f/16, or even narrower if you wish).
- Set your shutter speed to at LEAST 10 seconds. Or, if you have a shutter release (see below), set your shutter speed to BULB mode. BULB mode means that the shutter will stay open for as long as you hold the shutter release down for, so you don't have to set it in-camera.
- Set your ISO to low (e.g. 100).
- If you don't have a shutter release (see below), set your self-timer to 2 seconds (this will prevent camera shake from pressing the shutter, as the camera won't start taking the photo until 2 seconds AFTER you have pressed the shutter).
Suggested equipment:
- Tripod! Or somewhere stable to rest your camera where it WILL NOT MOVE. If you don't have a tripod, rest it on a wall, or on the ground, or rest it on a small bean bag and wedge it in so it doesn't budge. A gorillapod will work just as well! (I once took a nighttime long exposure using my gorillapod wrapped around a lamp post!)
- Shutter release: a shutter release is a little remote with a cord that plugs into your camera. It acts as a secondary shutter, so you don't have to stand right next to your camera to take a photo, and you also won't shake the camera when you press it.
Some of my examples of light trails here on 365:
***
Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in this particular setting are encouraged to offer “kind and constructive” suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.
This challenge starts today, and will close on 27th April, 2013 at 12:00pm Central Standard Time (17:00 Zulu time http://www.zulutime.net). All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like - the idea is to practice & learn. TAG YOUR PHOTO CSC-24 AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.
Voting will take place on the 28th of April (and remain open 24 hours) and the winner will be announced on the 30th of April. The winner of the challenge will select an experienced photographer to host a new challenge. It is the winner’s option on who they want to host the next challenge; it may be someone they follow whose work they admire, or someone who is active offering suggestions on previous CSC challenges. The winner may also select an experienced photographer for the list of photographers who have agreed to host future challenges as another option. Here is the link to that list: http://365project.org/myhrhelper/365/2011-12-12
Expect to receive constructive suggests on how to improve your skills.
How to post your photo on this link:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
2) Copy the “share” code in the bottom right section of that page.
3) Return to this thread and paste the code under comments
@pocketmouse - Thx for hosting Teresa. Nighttime light trails are amongst my favorite type of shots. I find choosing the right the location is critical. You want to be in an elevated position with a long view with a curve to the road. I like multi lanes to pick up width and not just a skinny line. For example:
Well done Teresa! Sorry Kate, I saw your message but got distracted and forgot to go back to it :( Will try and keep an eye on the entries.
I would second Michael's advice that a high vantage point can often work well. Also, if possible, try to get some other interest into the photograph as well as the light trails.
@abirkill No worries Alexis. It would be awesome if you could keep an eye on the entries. I am sure any feedback you might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much :)
Awesome so glad to see this as a topic for the Camera Settings Challenge! Thank you so much @pocketmouse for hosting the challenge!!! @abirkill@michaelelliott are you open to host future challenges? Often the winner is looking for someone to challenge and I would like to add you to the short list of potential people to ask.
Oh no, I am both excited and edgy. I've been wanting to do this and pondering it but not able to come up with anything. Now I'm going to have to get off my duff.
Wish this were a couple of weeks later. Our church fiesta happens over Mother's Day weekend. I might have to go out and try some more light trails though. They are always fun to do.
I have so much to learn still. This has been a lot of fun though. I went out several nights this week and definitely improved each time. Here's my latest attempt.
Not sure if i am too late.......I only have just tried capturing light trails so only have this one - lights are from a car towing a boat trailer on the ramp!
@pocketmouse Thanks - I enjoyed it!! Have just checked you out on your home page. Welcome to the medical world! I'm a GP in the UK. My cousin is studying medicine (might be pre-med) in Brisbane! Looking forward to perusing more of your photos...
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I would second Michael's advice that a high vantage point can often work well. Also, if possible, try to get some other interest into the photograph as well as the light trails.
@bjw
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Awesome so glad to see this as a topic for the Camera Settings Challenge! Thank you so much @pocketmouse for hosting the challenge!!! @abirkill @michaelelliott are you open to host future challenges? Often the winner is looking for someone to challenge and I would like to add you to the short list of potential people to ask.
@bjw
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... and light!
I think it's an excellent start. It has "selective coloring" as well as light trails.
:-}
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Voting is now OPEN! Go to this link and vote for your favourite! :) http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/17610/vote-camera-settings-challenge-24
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