If you've got a tripod, one way of getting stunning pictures is by visiting somewhere at night where there's lots of bright lights (preferably colourful) and snapping away. Even on auto mode, the pictures can be quite rewarding - although it's best to set a longer exposure manually, so that more of the details turn out.
Here's an example of one I did recently over the freeway - this one is made more interesting by the head/tail lights of passing cars leaving a streak. I used a 2 second exposure time.
That's really nice,
I have a few, but not as pretty as yours.
I'll put them up once I get dsl back, or I'll just ftp using uni account!
let me find them first
I read somewhere of people making a chain-pod - like a chain attached to screw which screws into your tripod socket.
You then stand on the other end of the chain and sort of pull upwards with your camera to put some tension on - this is supposed to keep the camera steady.
Apparently it works as good or even better than a monopod!
One thing .. its better to have a darker road .. so that the lines come out clearer ...
i usually use 10+ seconds .. but 5 seconds is ample for close to the road shots ...
With 2 secs (max for Fuji S5000) you need quite a few cars together at once actually, so timing is key. Just try a few (maybe a lot) to get the hang of it...
if you can take a longer shutter speed then the better (provided it's not too bright)
I find it's more interesting if the road has a bend in it, but not mandatory...
peter Wrote:as long as u dont mind drivers looking at you funny ...
Yeah... and just make sure you mentally prepare yourself too, as some beep their horns. (you wouldn't want to get a fright and drop your camera off the bridge )
yeah ...
and make sure that your flash doesnt pop up and get the drivers..
that might freak them out a bit ..
its actually funny though ... i flashed someone by acciddent once..
you should have seen the look on the guys face.. he even slowed down a bit as well ...
When Peter's shooting on the road, I help look out behind him for cars
I avoid flashing people driving, don't want to cause danger and troubles haha
but the police speed cameras do it all the time!!!
*thinks of setting up a fake speed camera*
)
