first time taking photos with tripod - what did I do wrong?

[wfooshee]

VR will move the lens elements even if nothing is actually moving, which will spoil a long exposure. As others have said, turn it off for long exposures. And by long, I'm thinking a second or more.

The mirror motion can jiggle the camera and set up a vibration at the beginning of an exposure. That's why using Live View was suggested. The mirror stays up, the only motion in the camera is the shutter closes, then opens to start the exposure, closes to end the exposure, then opens to return to live view. The mirror stays up and the viewfinder stays dark the whole time. A combination of self-timer (5 seconds, 2 might not be long enough to let vibrations damp out) and Live View will minimize camera shake, and VR off will eliminate "fake" motion from lens self-adjustment.

 

[Corinna_Naso]

Hello all!

I went back last night and I did a combination of the following:

1. Made sure my camera was absolutely rock solid on the tripod (I think maybe the night before I hadn't tightened the button properly...) and that the strap was safely wrapped around rather than hanging (it was also more windy last night, so that was imperative I think)
2. Turned off VR
3. Used a wider aperture so I can reduce the speed
4. Tried to be as motionless as possible. No dancing
5. Had a 5 second self-timer (which I had already used the night before)

I am happy with the results. I realised half way through the blue hour that I was using a direct sunlight white balance but that was easy to fix in editing plus I managed to take some photos with Auto which I think did more justice to the scene.

I still can't attach photos...Anyway, I made a flickr account just so I can get feedback. Feel free to judge me harshly:
Yahoo - login

 

[Designer]

If you normally upload your photos to ta photo-hosting site, then use the "post image" tool in the toolbar.

If you wish to post directly from your computer, you can use the "upload a file" tool.

First, downsize your photos to no larger than 1200 pixels on the longest side. As you attach your photo, TPF will give you the choice of thumbnail or full size. Select full size and post your post.

 

[Corinna_Naso]

Corinna Naso has shared 1 photo with you Flickr - Photo Sharing

Corinna Naso has shared 1 photo with you Flickr - Photo Sharing

https://www.flickr.com/photos/134472683@N03/shares/fp1C3V

Does that work?

 

[astroNikon]

Does it work for you?
no more movement in the amount that you were getting before.

 

[Corinna_Naso]

It's true. Any feedback on how to improve?

Haha sorry the question of whether it works was meant at the links If you can see the photos or not.

I dunno, I think they are OK. I am happy as it's my first (successful) long exposure adventure. I realise I'm no pro. One of them (the colourful one with the bridge) kinda hurts my eyes... I don't know, too much colour flashing everywhere.

This one is probably my favourite
Manhattan from Brooklyn Flickr - Photo Sharing

 

[waday]

I'd be pretty darn happy if I got those in some of my first attempts, haha. I think the B&W conversion could use a little work; IMO, the bridge is too dark.

 

[Corinna_Naso]

Thanks waday! I shall try making it a bit brighter! To be fair, I've been blessed with a great subject to photograph. If I were back in my hometown I probably wouldn't be as successful lol.

 

[Designer]

Haha sorry the question of whether it works was meant at the links If you can see the photos or not.

What tool are you using to upload and what do you do? I think somewhere there is an option to "show as image" or some such.

 

[Romphotog]

The info for the photos:
ISO 100
f18
30'' shutter speed

Photos look good. Possibly it was windy, and either the tripod moved a bit, or the lights on the BB were shifting. But, the photos look sharp. Try a faster shutter speed, say 10 or 5secs, f8, iso400.

 

[thereyougo!]

Pretty darn good for a first few goes. I was at that same location a few months ago. It poured with rain as soon as I set up, and for the walk back to 7th and 35th street, not pleasant!

 

[Romphotog]

"walk back to 7th and 35th street, not pleasant!"
Wow, that's some walk home, just crazy man!
Or do you mean Park Slope in Brooklyn?

 

[philsphoto]

So this problem is solved?


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