"General critique" on my long exposure...?

[Divegypsy]

Hi peeps,

I'd love to hear your comments on a long exposure of a church type structure I shot tonight on my Canon 550D, 18-55mm. Focal length 18, f16, exposed for 7min.

 

[Designer]

Where the lights are shining through, I can see some detail, but almost none toward the top due to the darkness.

Maybe try it again just after sunset.

 

[Divegypsy]

Where the lights are shining through, I can see some detail, but almost none toward the top due to the darkness.

Maybe try it again just after sunset.

Thanks for the feedback! In my defense: there is a lot less/almost no detail towards the top of the structure. But I do agree it could be better in that department. I'll definitely keep your tip in mind and give it another go sometime! You think light painting would be a good way to handle that problem too?

 

[kundalini]

Where the lights are shining through, I can see some detail, but almost none toward the top due to the darkness.

Maybe try it again just after sunset.

Yes, you have about twenty minutes after the sun has dipped below the horizon where you can still get detail in the shadows. I would also try opening up the aperture a stop or two.

Very cool structure. If this is close by, I would revisit many times at different times of the day and during the different seasons. Looks like fun.

 

[Divegypsy]

Where the lights are shining through, I can see some detail, but almost none toward the top due to the darkness.

Maybe try it again just after sunset.

Yes, you have about twenty minutes after the sun has dipped below the horizon where you can still get detail in the shadows. I would also try opening up the aperture a stop or two.

Very cool structure. If this is close by, I would revisit many times at different times of the day and during the different seasons. Looks like fun.

I'll give that aperture a shot next time for sure! Thanks for the tip.

It's def close enough to check it out again and like you said very cool indeed! I wanna try other angles anyway because the scenery is cool all around. I just have to go and check it out during the day again first bc it was too hard to frame it right without really knowing/seeing what was around it...

 

[CaptainNapalm]

I doubt you need to go f16, likely f8 will suffice thus allowing you to reduce the shutter speed. It still looks under exposed, I would do exactly the same thing except open up the aperture to f8 which should result with more detail in the shadow areas. Then, if need be, I would reduce the highlights in lightroom or photoshop. Nice composition though and cool structure.