NTP Challenge : Night Photography

[ricktas]

Another challenge to get those who have recently started their photographic journey.

Use all that you have learnt from the New To Photography forum to take a long exposure night photograph!

Post your photo in this thread!

[FallingHorse]

OK I'll kick it off - I will share my first attempt at Night Photography - only boring old fireworks but they were great to practice with - our nearest street light is over 50kms away! I used a tripod and cable release, manual focus and bulb setting and guesswork for exposure times. The ISO is 100 and I used an aperature of around f8. I hope it's not too many images (if so please remove some Mods)
I've seen some examples of painting with light and love to give this a go too!
1.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af280/fallinghorse/Night%20Photography/IMG_4835.jpg

2.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af280/fallinghorse/Night%20Photography/IMG_4845.jpg

3.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af280/fallinghorse/Night%20Photography/IMG_4920.jpg

4.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af280/fallinghorse/Night%20Photography/IMG_4922.jpg

5.
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af280/fallinghorse/Night%20Photography/IMG_4925.jpg

[sid]

One from me. No tripod yet, so my composition was limited by the places where I could keep my camera. Cc appreciated.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21575848@N06/4925866099/

[FallingHorse]

Sid - your link didn't work.

[ricktas]

Sid, have a look at this thread on the changes on Flickr and how to link your photos into AP : http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=64136

[ricktas]

Fallinghorse, a good series of fireworks shots to kick off this challenge. Fireworks can be hard to capture well. Looking at the first one, it appears there is water beside the location. Often if you can get to the opposite side to the fireworks display, the inclusion of the reflection of the fireworks on the water as well as in the sky can give a great result.

[FallingHorse]

Thanks Rick - unfortunately it wasn't water but the local football oval next to the school. Would have loved if they had the fireworks at the lake closer to our house but being in the rural area in the dry season probably not going to happen :(

[reflect]

OK (big intake of breath) here goes first time entering this competition (well I tried once before but didn't read the rules). I captured this on yet another freezing,overcast night in Adelaide. My wife has had me declared bonkers as I had to wait for ages for the moon to poke its head out. Be brutal everyone, thats how I learn.

[ricktas]

OK (big intake of breath) here goes first time entering this competition (well I tried once before but didn't read the rules).

Firstly, this isn't a competition, it is a challenge. It is designed to challenge those newer to photography to go out and get a photo, given a topic. It is purely designed to get NTP members out and about and learning how to use their camera to get shots under given situations

I like you shot, the 'blue moon' result works well and the inclusion of the tree branches gives this a gothic darkness that adds to the mood of the shot. Interestingly although it takes time (waiting for the moon) this is one of the easier night shots to capture. Get creative and think about some alternative night shot ideas.

[wmphoto]

Here's one I took on a recent trip. 30 second exposure and then "painted" the trees with a spotlight.

Cheers
Warren

[Kerro]

Fallinghorse nice fireworks set. All sharp and colourful.

Warren nice pic, must try that myself.

[ricktas]

Good result Warren, I would have liked to see more even light painting, at present it tends to look like you shone 2 lights at the trees. I think if you have moved the lights around more to cover the entire tree line it could have given a more impacting result. Having said this, the reflected light on the water looks stunning!

[wmphoto]

Thanks Rick. It was just one hand held spot light and I tried to paint each tree for about 10 seconds. The biggest problem I had was getting the focus right. I set the camera up before sunset but when I took the night shots the focus on the trees was off. :confused013 Took me 3 nights to finally get some shots I was happy with.

[wmphoto]

Here's another one from the South Perth foreshore. Also just opened a flickr account, so let's hope the link works.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4937091342_eed0f41725_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wozza1607/4937091342/)
Perth at night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wozza1607/4937091342/) by wozza1607 (http://www.flickr.com/people/wozza1607/), on Flickr

[Wingnut]

We should have a best shot from South Perth challenge for all the Perth members:th3:

[FallingHorse]

Wow Warren, some really good efforts. I'm yet to give the 'painting with light' a go. I like your shot of South Perth too - little bit of noise in the sky but the long exposure has made the water look like glass. The reflection look great - lovely colours.

Andrew - love the 'Blue Moon' shot -it does look gothic - I can imagine a few gravestones in this pic :)

[waan]

Hello
I recently went out without a tripod and loved the idea that I could shoot hand held at night as long as the scene had artificial light source. The problem then became to avoid the direct glare from that source.

[sid]

Sid, have a look at this thread on the changes on Flickr and how to link your photos into AP : http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=64136

Thanks for that Rick. I just goofed up :D Silly ol' me...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4925866099_292f67caae.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21575848@N06/4925866099/)
Frankston Waterfront (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21575848@N06/4925866099/) by Sidharth D (http://www.flickr.com/people/21575848@N06/), on Flickr

[FallingHorse]

Hello
I recently went out without a tripod and loved the idea that I could shoot hand held at night as long as the scene had artificial light source. The problem then became to avoid the direct glare from that source.

Examples???

[msnowden]

Here's another one from the South Perth foreshore. Also just opened a flickr account, so let's hope the link works.


I like this shot, once the weather warms up I can see a trip to south Perth at night being in order!

[wmphoto]

I like this shot, once the weather warms up I can see a trip to south Perth at night being in order!
It's a great spot. Here's another taken on the same night at dusk. Where's all the other newbies with their night shots? :crossed:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4936503949_14790b1518_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wozza1607/4936503949/)
South Perth Jetty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wozza1607/4936503949/) by wozza1607 (http://www.flickr.com/people/wozza1607/), on Flickr

[ricktas]

Some good work here guys. But I see a trend with city lights and water..get creative.

[julie21]

Not sure if the first 2 are what is asked for. Took these of hubby at the local shopping centre late one night at the bus stop and at a phone booth.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj144/BookOfWisdom/Sundry%20Portraits/firswithoutcoles-1.jpg


http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj144/BookOfWisdom/Sundry%20Portraits/RobertonPhoneatNight-1.jpg

This next was taken on the Festival Plaza suspension bridge on a rainy night and the other Victoria Square featuring the fountain and to finish Vic Square looking South Easterly

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj144/BookOfWisdom/Night%20Lights%20and%20Shots/DSC05867-1-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj144/BookOfWisdom/Night%20Lights%20and%20Shots/DSC06040.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj144/BookOfWisdom/Night%20Lights%20and%20Shots/DSC06016.jpg

[ricstew]

Am I NTP? I am not sure but I know I am new to digital photography>>> I have had this camera nearly 12 months and am only just begining to get my head around it ;)
Ok so this is/was F/ll 30 seconds.....iso ?280.....10mm centre weighted. Really really bad noise in the blacks ( the road especially ) so I have cropped it pretty hard. Some levels and stuff as well.
cheers
Jan

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4947738510_8431e046a8_b.jpg

[Kym]

@Jan - Looks pretty good!

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=57793 (hints)

Keep you ISO at its lowest for lowest noise. Up the shutter speed - even if you need bulb mode (which means a cable release)

[Kym]

@Julie - I eeally like #3 and #4; # 5 is a bit soft. Good work.

Make sure you use manual focus for long exposures. Live view can help as well.

[ricstew]

Thanks Kim.......I have since found the iso button :) and the shutter controls and moved back into manual........
Bulb is a bit of an issue as I only have an IR remote ( no cable release on this camera ). My cheapy knock off remote wont do bulb..........so its finger on the shutter. I do have a nice heavy tripod which helps. Once the weather warms up I will go back and try some more :)
cheers
Jan

[julie21]

@Julie - I eeally like #3 and #4; # 5 is a bit soft. Good work.

Make sure you use manual focus for long exposures. Live view can help as well.

Thanks Kym...I personally love #3 and went back the other night to try again but the lights were not changing colours as they do, but will head in again during the holidays.
Can I ask please what 'Live view' is? Am I guessing the LCD display?? ( which is what I use mostly) or is it the viewfinder , which I am trying to get used to?

[sid]

ANother one

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4950812120_24f54852ea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21575848@N06/4950812120/)
MCG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21575848@N06/4950812120/) by Sidharth D (http://www.flickr.com/people/21575848@N06/), on Flickr

[Mile]

Make sure you use manual focus for long exposures. Live view can help as well.

thats a good tip, i might try that next time.

[justo316]

Was trying to take a photo from the middle of the street last night, but then cars kept driving by.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j90/justo316/IMG_0659.jpg

[la lumiere]

Ok. I thought i would have a go at taking a shot tonight- first time for everything. I have been reading up about this today both on AP and other places.
Very basic question- don't laugh toooooo loudly. Where does the shutter release cable plug in??? (Canon 50D).
Couldn't find a place on the camera so looked in the book at the system map --- not mentioned. Only asking as everything I read says to use a cable ( I have borrowed one - are they all different? or remote (which I don't have).

[in2fx]

I like that Justo and the lights add to it :)

[in2fx]

I was bored, so I decided to try something different
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs355.ash2/63527_499590955549_522110549_7141800_4625840_n.jpg

[azwibowo]

The south perth shot is awesome. I took some photos in my old camera, and it still impressed me, i agree then to look another best photos from that place.

[macmich]

one from tonight
cheers macca

[Chinook]

Some really great shots everyone. I just looked at the date as I thought it was current lol so glad I saw that before I raced out at night. I want to get some night shots though so could be a good idea.

[justo316]

I like that Justo and the lights add to it :)

Cheers, Channel 9 actually used several of my shots from this particular shoot for 4 of their weather updates tonight!

[illuzian]

Alright guys - I will post my first photo here. Took this a few weeks ago about 1 week into owning my camera. f/22, iso-200, 30sec exposure.

Was mostly experimenting from dibs and dabs I learnt from the internet! (so I hope this okay to post)

60053

[in2fx]

Cheers, Channel 9 actually used several of my shots from this particular shoot for 4 of their weather updates tonight!

that's really cool :)

[Katt]

Hi All - here are my first attempts.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5074386894_29219e0257.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47864876@N06/5074386894/)Melbourne at night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47864876@N06/5074386894/) by Katt1970 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47864876@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5074386886_a45dd47655.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47864876@N06/5074386886/)Melbourne at night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47864876@N06/5074386886/) by Katt1970 (http://www.flickr.com/people/47864876@N06/), on Flickr

Cheers,

Katt

[Dan Gamble]

This was my first and second attempts which were taken a few weeks ago at the Melbourne meet-up.
#1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4993269662_3c9196d4cb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangamble/4993269662/)
Melb Meet 100915 (3 of 3) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangamble/4993269662/) by MamboGambo (http://www.flickr.com/people/dangamble/), on Flickr

#2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4993269246_14f8afa253_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangamble/4993269246/)
Melb Meet 100915 (2 of 3) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangamble/4993269246/) by MamboGambo (http://www.flickr.com/people/dangamble/), on Flickr

[ricktas]

Good work here everyone.

[Brettles]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/5141245596_8332154143_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141245596/)
Brett (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141245596/) by Brettles84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brettles84/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/5141247338_a1574fe5fb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141247338/)
TwoFace (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141247338/) by Brettles84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brettles84/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/5141238682_788221e703.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141238682/)
Ferry Crossing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141238682/) by Brettles84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brettles84/), on Flickr

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1354/5141257260_4d776e4b85_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141257260/)
Double Exposure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5141257260/) by Brettles84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brettles84/), on Flickr

[Brettles]

hmm ive done something wrong there

[Brettles]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/5140721873_8974486059_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5140721873/)
IMG_4616 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettles84/5140721873/) by Brettles84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/brettles84/), on Flickr

[MBsa]

I know this challenge hasn't been used in a while but i'm going through all the old ones (hope thats ok). This is one of my attempts at night photography. My house has a lot of street lights around but think i did ok. I would like to try going down to the river for another attempt.
Shutter - 30sec F 4.0 ISO 100
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5371945114_58d2ff7d59_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/melbphotography/5371945114/)
hello (http://www.flickr.com/photos/melbphotography/5371945114/) by melbphotography2011 (http://www.flickr.com/people/melbphotography/), on Flickr

[Wranga93]

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g337/Wranga93/IMG_0322.jpg

This was my first image on manual mode, just playing around with the modes.

[superg]

Here is my photo of Outer Harbour, Adelaide.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5524658074_4aa3b225fd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60563604@N03/5524658074/)

[in2fx]

I had already captured the sunset shot that I wanted, so decided to have a play with movement while the light was fading :D

I did resist the temptation to use flash (blinding the driver) to stop the front of the bus at the end ;)
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189007_10150211003680550_522110549_8970707_794500_n.jpg

[MrEMan]

I took this one of a giant rock floating in the sky :lol: Not sure if it fits the theme but you can only get shots like this at night.

70101

[super duper]

Went out last night and got some shots, would love some CC!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv277/vorreal/20110404_13778.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv277/vorreal/20110404_13737.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv277/vorreal/20110404_13789.jpg

[Kazren]

Not sure of this qualifies - its indoors with the help of a little LED torch.
70347

[ricktas]

Not sure of this qualifies - its indoors with the help of a little LED torch.


Not really, the thread is about NIGHT photography, it is to teach you how to get outside at night and take photos of the world. Your photo doesnt really explore that at all.

[ricktas]

[QUOTE=super duper;819854]Went out last night and got some shots, would love some CC!


Sorry but we cannot CC them here, this thread is about learning HOW to take night photos, and getting YOU to understand the settings needed to do so. If you want CC on them, take them over to the member photos forums.

Feel free to discuss your settings used, what you learnt here, about the technicalities of taking night photos, that is what this challenge is for.

[kipp]

hi i dont know if that worked but if it did, this is my first attempt at night time photography in bulb mode, can anybody tell me why the stars are spotty and not a clean more continuous line? could it be my apperature is to wide?
ta kipp



71951

[ricktas]

What did you shoot in kipp, RAW or JPG. My guess is JPG, and the spotty result is probably related to JPG compression.

[kipp]

What did you shoot in kipp, RAW or JPG. My guess is JPG, and the spotty result is probably related to JPG compression.

thanks rick
yes it was in jpeg i havent bothered to fiddle with raw yet, but maybe i should set it to shoot in both jpeg and raw for the times when im not happy with the result?
is there any free software to open and do basic editing on raw?

[Kym]

How stable was your tripod? Was it windy at all, people walking around? That could explain the star trails.
Also: I'd try f/8 or f/11 next time.

[kipp]

How stable was your tripod? Was it windy at all, people walking around? That could explain the star trails.
Also: I'd try f/8 or f/11 next time.

thanks kim
there was no wind or movement, but at about f/4 or f/5 iso 100. i tried it at about f/12 iso 100 but there wasn't enough light so i had it wide open instead of winding up the iso. i will have another go next time were away, try and take them earlier at night instead of midnight might help as well

[ricktas]

thanks rick
yes it was in jpeg i havent bothered to fiddle with raw yet, but maybe i should set it to shoot in both jpeg and raw for the times when im not happy with the result?
is there any free software to open and do basic editing on raw?

JPG is a lossy compression format, by this it means the file is compressed and by lossy, means that some data is deleted to make the filesize smaller. ALWAYS use the finest setting possible for JPG photography, whilst this will mean you have bigger filesizes, you are not losing as much photo information when the file is saved.

As for a free RAW editing software, you should have got a copy of Canon's DPP with your 7D, it is very good, give it a go

[kipp]

ok thanks rick

[Poita]

Thought I better start making use of my camera again, took this photo on a recent visit to Melbourne.


72081

[ricktas]

[QUOTE=Poita;840593]Thought I better start making use of my camera again, took this photo on a recent visit to Melbourne.

So what did you learn? The idea behind this thread is to tell us what you learnt, as a beginner, when undertaking night photography

[xrdave]

Went out to Willowbank - Topfuel Championship to have a play with the canon 7d and try a few things.
The sun was going down and 70mm was as wide as i could go.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i112/xrdave/Trip%20pics/Top%20Fuel%20Champ%20Willowbank%2025-3-2011/IMG_0012.jpg

[ricktas]

NOTE: the NTP is for members who are new to photography and want to learn about how to take photos, and post to these challenges with their results and discussing what they learnt. The last two posters in this thread have set their level as intermediate photographers and not posted at all about what they learnt from the challenge. Please respect the reason for the NTP on this site.

[Ms Monny]

Well, I had my first night shoot on Monday with the TTGCC and it was unreal! I loved it! It was great to meet a few peeps from the forum. There are a few things that I certainly learnt ....

* TAKE A TORCH!!

* Use 'live view'! I had the camera set at 100 ISO and aperatures about F16, 11 and 14. I tried to focus on something 1/3 of the way into the image at most times but when there wasn't anything in the foreground (black, dark river) I focused on the buildings on the other side, or the bottom of the fountain thingy in the middle of the river.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/5715653010_0a48538f8c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36941020@N04/5715653010/)
Adelaide @ night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36941020@N04/5715653010/) by Miss Monny (http://www.flickr.com/people/36941020@N04/), on Flickr

I will post this and more in the CC section tonight for anyone who wishes to let me know what they think.

:D

[Sezzy]

Okay, well I did these a few weeks ago...and I learnt...A LOT. That the longer my shutter is open, the more the scene changes. The difference between 10 and 30 seconds and the change in aperture resulted in two very different photographs - one green, and one more pink in colour.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/5743077990_4ee8ff692a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5743077990/)
20110521-_DSC0243 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5743077990/) by Sezu82 (http://www.flickr.com/people/visual_hallucination/), on Flickr
Exposure 10
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 400

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5743086470_de4f7bae54_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5743086470/)
20110521-_DSC0247 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5743086470/) by Sezu82 (http://www.flickr.com/people/visual_hallucination/), on Flickr
Exposure 30
Aperture f/13.0
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 400

I learnt very quickly with this one, that 25 seconds is way too much, particularly with the other settings. There is way too much light that is just not 'clear' in this shot, and I was disappointed by the result as I quite liked the left side of the image. Still getting the hang of 'making it straight' pre photo as opposed to PP, but am getting there. I don't know how the man in the midground stood completely still for so long, but the guy in the foreground just kept moving... :(
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5742521591_e170147321_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5742521591/)
20110521-_DSC0239 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visual_hallucination/5742521591/) by Sezu82 (http://www.flickr.com/people/visual_hallucination/), on Flickr
Exposure 25
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 400

The aperture was what really got me, and for these shots I used Aperture priority (too chicken to go completely manual) - but next lot will be full manual...! :D

[nicnax]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzimmi/5880699276/in/photostream

This is my first upload so I don't know if it will work. This picture was also one of my first night shots...I was happy with it!

[ricktas]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzimmi/5880699276/in/photostream

This is my first upload so I don't know if it will work. This picture was also one of my first night shots...I was happy with it!

Your Flickr link doesn't meet the Flickr T&C for linking. See HERE (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showlibrary.php?title=How_Do_I:Flickr_:_How_to_link_photos_into_Ausphotography) for how to link from Flickr and meet their T&C

[nicnax]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5071/5880699276_ca2bd95d09.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzimmi/5880699276/)
edited2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzimmi/5880699276/) by nzimmi (http://www.flickr.com/people/nzimmi/), on Flickr

Take two!

Thanks Ricktas.

[JBuz]

Took this at a dusk shoot, just playing and learning my camera etc. This is also my first attempt at uploading a pic onto Aus Phot.
Image is titled Yabby Pumping taken on Nikon D3100.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/juditurnerbuzer/5871657435/" title="Yabby Pumping by Judi Turner-Buzer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/5871657435_df523a29f6.jpg" width="500" height="401" alt="Yabby Pumping"></a>

[JBuz]

Lets try that again shall we ???


http://www.flickr.com/photos/juditurnerbuzer/5871657435/

[ricktas]

Lets try that again shall we ???


http://www.flickr.com/photos/juditurnerbuzer/5871657435/

Again, as per the member above having the same issue from Flickr : Your Flickr link doesn't meet the Flickr T&C for linking. See HERE (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showlibrary.php?title=How_Do_I:Flickr_:_How_to_link_photos_into_Ausphotography) for how to link from Flickr and meet their T&C

[colbaby]

Hey Warren, I'm just starting out but love these shots, i love the light painting effect and i think the shot s great! The reflection off the water adds a great warmth to the shot! Very inspired