First attempt at light trails

[ScarySquirrel]

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

 

[ScarySquirrel]

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.

 

[ScarySquirrel]

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