long shutter time, star effect

i took this picture just this night and loved it, i left the shutter open for 30 seconds to let as much light in as possible, it was almost pitch black out. so i could photograph the tower, and the street light changed over that time and i guess made a starburst effect with the lighting,
i had no idea i could get such results without a starburst filter, unless it's my UV filter playing tricks on me
anyway, i thought i would share my epiphany

 

If I remember right, a small aperture (high F stop number) is what creates the star effect with lights.

Nice shot.

 

Yup, about any SLR with a numerically large aperture can do this effect.

It can also be created using starburst filters on the lens and in photoshop.

 

yes, this is just a small aperture

 

It's diffraction at the aperture blades: the more blades the more points.

Best,
Helen

 

awesome i learned somthing

 

That's an awesome shot! I did that with the moon- hopefully you'll be able to see the pic because I sent it to the January contest.

 

i did this a long long while back too
unfortunately i knew a lot less about photography than i do now and the shot has lots of flaws here it is tho



added some major effects back then too