Ghosting Effect

[NikonNellie]

I took some photos at the Light Walk meet the other night and ended up with a number of photos with the ghosting effect. I actually really like the effect but I would like to understand 1) why it happens and 2) If I didn't want the effect how do I avoid it. Just for interests sake!

[ricktas]

It happens cause you are using a slow shutter speed and things (people, cars etc) move through your shot whilst the shutter is open.

It can be fun to create your own Ghost shots given the right location.

Avoiding it will be hard, when you are using low light and long shutter speeds. Only true way is to not have anyone/thing moving in your photo while the shutter is open. OR take several shots (use a tripod) and then layer them all and hopefully mask out the ghosts on each layer.

[NikonNellie]

Thanks Rick - that explains why the photo in this thread of mine doesn't have the ghosting effect. I did manage to clone a ghost out in one of my shots
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=33201

[njg02]

Answered my question as well.

Neil