First attempt at light trails

ScarySquirrel · 8 Jul 2007 at 00:35

Hello. I know these types of shots have been done to death, but having got a tripod recently I thought it would be worth a go

In terms of subject matter, there isn't any. So really C&C is only needed on the technical aspect.

ps. Tripod I got was a Velbon Ultra Luxi F. Which so far I think is awesome. Although the twist lock legs suck imo

edit: I just remembered something I meant to ask. Because it was pretty much pjust black through the viewfinder, I couldn't focus and AF obviously wasn't working. How the hell are you supposed to focus properly in these situations? Thanks

dirtybeatfreak · 8 Jul 2007 at 00:40

this is just a guess as i havnt even attempted to try these kinda shots but im guessing you would manually focus on something that is visible in the shot then position the shot to the composition you want and shoot from there.

does that even make sense lol :confused:

J1234 · 8 Jul 2007 at 00:41

Very nice shots, although for some reason I find the clouds very distracting.

Just use manual focus.

themask70 · 8 Jul 2007 at 00:46

Really like them, I've got to have a go at some shots like them some time.

ScarySquirrel · 8 Jul 2007 at 00:55

I did manual focus in the end, just tried to focus on a car so at least some of the scene was in focus. Focussing was the hardest part I found. I really thought I would end up with rubbish over/underexposed shots but I was surpsied at how easy it was using aperture priority.

Messiah Khan · 8 Jul 2007 at 09:32

Nice shots. I think no.3 is my favourite. When I did similar shots for the vanishing point competition, I set the aperture to f22 and used manual focus, focusing on about 1/3rd into the scene. This being the hyperfocal distance meant that the whole scene appeared in focus. My only criticism with your shots is that you could have done with a tad more light in the foreground/trees. So maybe try taking the pics an hours or so earlier.

ScarySquirrel · 8 Jul 2007 at 10:05

messiah khan said:
Nice shots. I think no.3 is my favourite. When I did similar shots for the vanishing point competition, I set the aperture to f22 and used manual focus, focusing on about 1/3rd into the scene. This being the hyperfocal distance meant that the whole scene appeared in focus. My only criticism with your shots is that you could have done with a tad more light in the foreground/trees. So maybe try taking the pics an hours or so earlier.

Yeah I was a bit worried about the light when I drove out there. But thought as I was there I would still give it a go. Thanks for the comments everyone

NorthstaNder · 8 Jul 2007 at 10:36

I think they're great Scary. I like the little bit of light that's left on the horizon that the light trails lead too.

I'm getting a tripod next month (Velbon 435) so I'll probably have a stab at some of these too.

Would using landscape mode on the camera work as well as using manual focus?