I'm terribly behind in commenting and will catch up tomorrow but wanted to post before going to sleep. This is from a momentous first photo walk with my grandson who I was able to introduce to night photography, at HIS request (shocking -- at 14, wanting to spend a Saturday evening with me!). With him using my Nikon D90 with the kit lens on the tripod we worked through shutter speed and f-stop, long exposure, and even ICM using a zoom lens. This kid was quick on the uptake and created some really interesting images.
This image combines (using Photomatix) 4 really long exposures: 30, 40, 102, and 118 seconds, respectively. Shortly after, my camera battery died. Scene is Buckingham Fountain, looking west with Lake Michigan behind me and the "Loop" business/hotel area in the background. And it's a lot better on black.
Nicely done fantastic that you managed to spend some time with your grandson sharing your skills and knowledge in photography. Interesting that you have combined 4 shots here. Brings back memories on vacation standing in almost the exact shot capturing this wonderful fountain.
The deep jewel tones in this shot are just wonderful. Thanks so much for explaining how you accomplished this. Your technical expertise is very much appreciated.
For every reason I can think of, this ought to be posted LARGE on the popular page tomorrow! It's drop-dead gorgeous...and you have a grandson who wants to follow in your photographic footsteps. That's going to be one of your donations to making this world a better place for having lived in it! (As a professor, yo know, "Each one teach one..." Absolutely wonderful!
Wow!!!! This is absolutely incredible. I love how you have combines the 4 shots, they blend perfectly together. Kids now days pick up things so quickly. Great job :-) FAV
What a fantastic shot (s), your grandson is very lucky to have such a talented teacher. Especially the use of a D90 as well. This is magnificent. Fave++
That does it, I am trying some HDR and purchasing Photomatix!! ;-)) Thank you for explaining how you achieved this yet again! Wonderful shot, beautiful colors and such controlled lighting....wonderful all around....and, what a treat to be able to share this with your grandson! FAV!
Stunning and accomplished, you must have a rock solid tripod..... what made you decide to use such long exposures X 4, great choice. It brings out all the depth, colours and light I suppose? What a privilege to have inspired your grandson to take up photography, will we see him here soon?
@jackie8 Thanks Jackie! I think long exposure does so much to bring out color and details, especially if I can use a small aperture and lower ISO. So for these, the really long exposure was because it was so dark...at 30 seconds, the scenes were still not lit as much as I'd like. The longest exposure, though, happened because I was talking with my grandson about what he was trying to set up and forgot I'd left my shutter open. That's the one that went to almost 2 full minutes. The one that was a minute and a half was because I forgot to push the timer button on my phone, and then was guessing at how many seconds had passed -- more than I realized. And probably these are the two that drained the battery so quickly.
Instant fav Taffy, it's a beautiful image, so colourful. My 14 year old granddaughter was just given my old camera but we haven't had a shoot together, that's a great idea.
Pure magic - in all departments. Stunning photo, great subject, good story, and wonderful to be out like that with one's grandie. As I said, magic. Fav
Fantastic shot or should I say shots. Are you teaching him processing too? Maybe he will join 365 sometime. To share a hobby you love with a grandchild must be so amazing.
Sharing a hobby with someone you know wether friend or family is a very close bond. Love the night shot! Very beautiful. Lots of pretty lights and color.
Great your Grandson is taking an interest. Perhaps a long standing bond you'll share. I would have loved to have eaves dropped on your tutorial. :). Super shot and processing. I was going to go to a local fair to practice some night shots but it was too cold and windy. Got to work up to the cold.
What an outstanding display of colour. I just have nothing near by me that has lights like this. It has so much drama and excitement in it. Wonderful too for you to pass on your skills to your grandson.
Wow a stunninh shot Taffy and thanks for giving us an explanation of how long the exposures were and why!! I love the fact that your grandson is interested and what a wonderful teacher you will be for him!! Lucky boy!! I have tried with my family but all they are interested in is their Iphones and awful selfies!! Huge Fav!!
What an amazing shot, Taffy. You have perfected night shots so well. I love everything about this photo. How nice to have your grandson wanting to do this with you and learning from you to. They are sponges at his age with technology. He is so lucky to have you. I try to always carry a second battery but not always. It happens to the best. FAV
You are right, this looks fab on black. So good to be sharing your knowledge with your grandson and thank you for bring back such great memories from earlier this year.
Lovely shot - thanks for the technical explanation - but so wonderful to see you and your grandson sharing the experience. That is the richest part of this image.
@rosiekerr Thanks Rosie -- that really was a highlight. He apparently has a new hs friend who has been taking photos since middle school. So, that helped I think make him more engaged as he wants to start posting to instagram but having good photos. We'll see...I'm hoping it can become a regular 'thing' we can do together.
Totally gorgeous Taffy! THe lighting is wonderful and the look of the water and reflection is just so dreamy. Fun that your grandson spent such quality time with you ....and sounds like he is a natural! Huge FAV
The image is fantastic on black! It nearly feels as if I'm standing there at the fountain. Brilliant colors. Brilliant photography. How neat that your grandson has an interest in photography. I'm sure you're no small influence in that department.
@lyndemc I suspect it's more because he wants to 'catch up' with one of his friends who is a photographer and posts on Instagram, but I wish it were my influence! Thanks for the kind comment -- I really appreciate your supportive messages!
It's gorgeous how all the lights are different colors and especially love the star bursts.
FAV