train tracks and models

[xzyragon]

Took some friends to some train tracks behind my apartment complex and I experimented with that warm lighting look. In retrospect, I should have thrown on my CPL filter to cut down on reflections and slow the light down to get a smaller DOF while still having a shutter speed that synced with my flash (still got that rolling shutter effect at 1/400 s). But any CC is appreciated. I wish I could have lit up their faces more without making the light so harsh.

IMG_1584 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1577 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1563 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1539 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1532 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1523 by christophercoxphoto, on Flickr

Thanks in advance for any CC. Just here to learn from some of the best!

 

[JacaRanda]

I have been guilty of the train tracks pictures myself. You are more than likely going to read about how dangerous it is, than get c&c on the photos (rightfully so).

They are cliche and not worth the risk.

Not normally my style to point out dos and don'ts in this way. But - please don't anymore.

 

[tirediron]

I have been guilty of the train tracks pictures myself. You are more than likely going to read about how dangerous it is, than get c&c on the photos (rightfully so).

They are cliche and not worth the risk.

Not normally my style to point out does and don'ts in this way. But - please don't anymore.

^^This^^

These look like perfect conditions for a reflector to me.

 

[JacaRanda]

Oh shoot. Just noticed you are down in La Jolla. If you get a chance, take these young ladies down to the area where the seals are. Great shots are plenty there. (you probably know that already)

Some of my favorite shots ever are of the cormorants there.

 

[xzyragon]

I have been guilty of the train tracks pictures myself. You are more than likely going to read about how dangerous it is, than get c&c on the photos (rightfully so).

They are cliche and not worth the risk.

Not normally my style to point out does and don'ts in this way. But - please don't anymore.

^^This^^

These look like perfect conditions for a reflector to me.

I don't have a reflector, but I'm thinking it might be time to jimmy-rig one out of a space blanket or something.

Oh shoot. Just noticed you are down in La Jolla. If you get a chance, take these young ladies down to the area where the seals are. Great shots are plenty there. (you probably know that already)

Some of my favorite shots ever are of the cormorants there.

Most of the time I can't get my "models" to go farther down south than Scripps. I should be going down to that area with a friend in a couple weeks to get long exposures of the tidepools though.

And as far as safety, I had the schedule of the trains in advance, and there's a 20mph speed limit on all the trains through that section because it's through a residential area with public access. In the future I'll look for decommissioned tracks though

 

[ronlane]

No need to jimmy-rig one. Just go to the automotive section of say Wal-mart and get a fold-up sun reflector. Cheap and work just as well in a pinch.

 

[KmH]

Actually, the pop up flash unit on a DSLR camera set to about 1/4 power or so works for this kind of back lighting.

What metering mode did you use?

 

[xzyragon]

No need to jimmy-rig one. Just go to the automotive section of say Wal-mart and get a fold-up sun reflector. Cheap and work just as well in a pinch.

Ohh I might look into that. Or steal my roommate's while he isn't looking

Actually, the pop up flash unit on a DSLR camera set to about 1/4 power or so works for this kind of back lighting.

What metering mode did you use?

I was using an off camera speedlite set to somewhere around 1/32 or 1/64. And it was full manual so no metering.

 

[MRnats]

I like the last one a lot. Sure more light reflected back at her would have helped, but I like her look and expression.

 

[tirediron]

...And as far as safety, I had the schedule of the trains in advance, and there's a 20mph speed limit on all the trains through that section because it's through a residential area with public access. In the future I'll look for decommissioned tracks though

This is like saying a bus schedule is good protection while photographing on the freeway! Do me a favour: Look up the meaning of a locomotive displaying a white flag and/or the term "uscheduled extra" as well as the statutes on criminal trespass in your state.

 

[Austin Greene]

Ohh I might look into that. Or steal my roommate's while he isn't looking

I was using an off camera speedlite set to somewhere around 1/32 or 1/64. And it was full manual so no metering.

A quick reminder that even in manual your metering mode still makes a difference in how the light meter in your camera registers whether or not the areas you're interested in are over or under exposed. It is separate entirely from what "mode" your camera is in, though the data it provides is used by those semi-auto modes to help determine appropriate settings. Knowing what metering mode to use (evaluative, spot, etc) is very important when dealing with backlit shots.

 

[xzyragon]

Ohh I might look into that. Or steal my roommate's while he isn't looking

I was using an off camera speedlite set to somewhere around 1/32 or 1/64. And it was full manual so no metering.

A quick reminder that even in manual your metering mode still makes a difference in how the light meter in your camera registers whether or not the areas you're interested in are over or under exposed. It is separate entirely from what "mode" your camera is in, though the data it provides is used by those semi-auto modes to help determine appropriate settings. Knowing what metering mode to use (evaluative, spot, etc) is very important when dealing with backlit shots.

Did not know that! I'm assuming I should have been using spot metering based off of the subject in this situation, right?