| |
 |
| |
|
|
|
HoyoNicku
Joined: 05 Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Los Angeles
|
 Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:57 am Post subject: black and white night sky photography? |
 |
|
|
| I take a photography class and we use black and white. Is it worth it? If so, how do I konw how long the exposure needs to be? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
 |
LetsGoShopping
Joined: 25 Nov 2007
Posts: 12
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:45 am Post subject: black and white night sky photography? |
|
|
|
| It is certainly worth it if you plan your shot carefully. I am assuming you are using film as you stated the class is only B&W. First, have a statement in mind. If you are an astronomer, how about placing the camera on a tripod, aiming it at the North star, then use a Bulb exposure (30 minutes to 4 hours) make "star trails" showing the rotation of the earth? You would need to do this on a clear night, of course, with no haze or clouds.Or, if you prefer, show silhouettes of trees, buildings or other things that could be emphasized by the eerie night sky lighting.Anytime you are taking night photography, be careful to allow your camera and lens to "acclimate" to the temperature and humidity at night. If you don't, you will end up with very blurry or low contrast images.When it comes to exposure, it is all guess work as factors of ambient light (from cars headlights or city lights) will definitely effect the results. Also the type of film,ISO and contrast of long exposure plus a factor called "reciprocity failure" will make it more difficult to predict.Use a small lens opening (large 'f' number like f'-22) to make sure you have the best exposure long exposure times. "Bracket" your exposures by getting a starting exposure, (i.e. 20 seconds) and doubling them quadrupling the time). Since you are not going to be worried about camera movement (you have locked it down firmly on a tripod and set the focus to infinity, right?!), you can use the "Bulb" setting and keep up the doubling process for the whole roll. This will allow exposures of 20seconds,40 secs., 80, 160, etc.). All it takes is patience and time.Good luck. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DebForYouECC
Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:33 am Post subject: black and white night sky photography? |
|
|
|
| Worth it eh? Yes it is...totally worth it! Black and white photography is an amazing art form...it is as much about the process as the beautiful results you get.For night photography here are some options.1. Get a tripod, a cable release, shoot low to medium speed film with lengthy exposures depending on the amount of light. Take a meter reading with your camera or light meter and then overexpose (add more time). This allows more light to enter into the camera and expose your film, producing interesting effects.2. Shoot High speed film ( Kodak 3200 pushed to 6400)This is very sensitive film and can be shot hand held in low light. A tripod is still recommended though. 3. Shoot With a flash...low speed film an an on camera flash is a standard trick to fill in darkness with light...trya long exposure and flash the scene several times4. USe a tripod and a flashlight ...use a long exposure on bulb setting and a high f-stop (like f 22) and use the flashlight to "Paint" light onto the scene...this can give you exciting results.The best thing to do is to try lots of things out and have fun. Pick subjects that YOU find interesting or meaningful. Try lots of different kinds of film and experiment, experiment, experiment. Good Luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
blink
Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 11
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:21 am Post subject: black and white night sky photography? |
|
|
|
| Making a time lapse photograph is a great time, with often quite varied results. Your exposure time will vary, but count on going longer than 30 min. for visible star trails. Get away from light pollution, get set up on your tripod, attach your cable release, open up the aperture, set your shutter speed to 'bulb', and shoot. It might take you a bit of time, but the result can be amazing ! You can use faster film,(Iso800) but doesn't help much . Keep a note book handy to record your exposures, and you'll benefit from the reference.Edit,I run my aperture, at about f/4. Although any given lens performs best at it's middle aperture settings, images tend to soften slightly due to the long length of exposure anyway. (see above answer... reciprocity failure ) Generally you will be focused @ infinity, and you needn't worry about depth of field. Not stopping down can save you quite a bit of time, ie: f/4 @ 30 min. = f/8 @ 2hrs. (see what I mean ?) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
| |
FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
