So, my first day back at work and already I've had to take my shot for the day in the dark :( However, it did give me a reason to try out the Bulb and Time long exposure settings on my camera for the first time. This shot is straight out of camera using the Time function for 45 secs. Any advice on how to get a better image and sharper stars would be gratefully received. Thanks
Your Exif data says 60 sec exposure, which I think is too long because of the movement of the Earth. I think 20 secs would better, so up the ISO if you can. If you want the stars to be sharper then you will have to focus at infinity or thereabouts. I'm no expert, but the main thing I learned about long exposure night shots is do them in Summer when it is warm outside! It's good fun, keep trying!
@laroque Thanks very much for the info Tim. I thought this was 45 secs but I counted in my head so probably counted incorrectly. I did try on the 30 seconds setting but that was too dark so I'll up the ISO next time. Unfortunately I don't have an infinity setting so what would you recommend as an alternative? The tip about being warm is a good one - my feet got quite cold! Unfortunately we have a mosquito problem here in the summer so I'll have to try in spring instead, lol!
Nice capture.The stars and the moon move quickly just not to the naked eye so I agree with @laroque that your shutter speed was most likely too long though I'm no expert. But I've seen some youtube videos on the subject and this guy is really good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bub6ege1Qas Check him out if you have the time. Hope this helps :)
Great job. Upping the ISO is the solution to the faster time. I use a Nikon and will set ISO to 2600 to 3200, and then speed between 15 and 30 seconds at most. I use my 14-24mm set at f2.8. Just experiment -- you're off to a great start. For composition, you might try to find a spot without such a bright light as in the roof or ask the folks inside to turn off the lights for a bit.
@nickspicsnz I've learnt something too! On my camera I would change to manual focus and rotate the focus ring on the lens clockwise to focus on infinity. But reading on the net, autofocus, if pointed at the stars, should focus to infinity. Then you just lock the focus and compose.
@paul10 Thanks for the link Paul - very interesting to watch. I don't have Photoshop so would have to adapt the info to just one shot. But it's certainly something I want to try again.
@taffy Thanks Taffy. I'm always nervous about upping the ISO. I'll certainly try it much higher next time so I can reduce the speed. I've got a 35mm 1.8 lens so maybe I'll try that one next time. I was stood on my drive so the lights were in our house :) It was a spur of the moment attempt this time so I'd like to try somewhere further from town next time so I can get it darker.
@suzanne234 My problem is I understand it, I'm just not so good at putting it into practice. I have to write things down and then take the piece of paper with me when I go out with the camera :)
