Show me: your low-light *FLASHLESS* pictures

[Carolc]

So, if you guys aren't tired of my 'show me' threads yet, here's another one...

Show me some pictures where the lighting conditions were dim/dark, but you did not use a flash. I'm talking about the type where you either bumped up the ISO, slowed down the shutter speed, used a really good lens, etc.

As always, tips are welcome :teeth: (i.e. sharing your settings).

Oh yeah, they don't have to be Disney...

:thanks:

[Carolc]

Here are a few of mine... these are from Crystal Cave in Sequoia. The first one was taken at 1600, the second two at 800. I tried both using both settings during the 1/2 mile tour, but unfortunately most of my 1600's had a lot of noise.

http://www.pbase.com/image/63951193.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/63951194.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/63951196.jpg

[Kelly Grannell]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Other%20Product%20Shots/e305f881.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Universal%20Studios/092067d0.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Universal%20Studios/6ee416ec.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Universal%20Studios/1bea970f.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Niagara%20Falls%20Region%20Shots/1b55be4a.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Concerts%20and%20Rehearsals/4f3592f7.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Concerts%20and%20Rehearsals/984c114a.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Concerts%20and%20Rehearsals/9e65c036.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Concerts%20and%20Rehearsals/c596f319.jpg

[Carolc]

Legoland fireworks
iso 100, 4 seconds, f/16.0

http://www.pbase.com/image/64638467.jpg

[JR6ooo4]

Late in the reception...
http://mnmstudios.smugmug.com/photos/7139122-M.jpg

[TwoOldPoohs]

I just posted this one in another thread:
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/51128758.jpg
I put the camera on the ledge that you see when you first walk in. There were no people because we were on the "Hidden Treasures" tour and World Showcase wasn't open yet.
1s f/10.0 at 24.0mm iso800

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/36018098.jpg
1/160s f/3.5 at 50.0mm iso1600

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/51188477.jpg
1/3s f/6.3 at 45.0mm iso1600

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/36588511.jpg
1/30s f/1.8 at 50.0mm iso1600

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/43419059.jpg
1/10s f/2.8 at 20.0mm iso1600

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/35988843.jpg
1/250s f/5.6 at 135.0mm iso1600

http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/35988844.jpg
1/250s f/5.6 at 135.0mm iso1600

Mystic Seaport:
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/29047089.jpg
1/10s f/5.6 at 85.0mm iso800

Ellis Island:
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/24741711.jpg
1/6s f/5.6 at 48.0mm iso1600

[Dan Murphy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/dmurphydis/Keepers%202003/Keepers2003-026.jpg



I want 1600 ISO too, but in a P&S. :teeth:

[Anewman]

TwoOldPoohs, those are some awesome shots.

Any NR on the 1600ISO shots?

[We-Luv-Disney]

The voyage of the little mermaid with Canon 50mm 1.8 set at f2.8, ISO 800, 1/125 sec
http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/60520925/original.jpg

Inside of Its a Small World also shot with the Canon 50mm 1.8 set at f2.0, ISO 1600, 1/160 sec.
http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/60522113/original.jpg
The tree of life just after sunset shot with the Canon 17-40 f4 set at f4.0, ISO 3200, 1/30 sec, noise ninja used in post processing.
http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/60549103/original.jpg

[TwoOldPoohs]

TwoOldPoohs, those are some awesome shots.

Any NR on the 1600ISO shots?

Thank you!
I don't think so. They were taken some time ago and I don't remember for certain. But I rarely use NR software because I haven't been able to figure out the right settings. I've tried both Noiseware and NeatImage, and I always seem to lose too much detail. :confused3

[TwoOldPoohs]

The voyage of the little mermaid with Canon 50mm 1.8 set at f2.8, ISO 800, 1/125 sec
http://www.pbase.com/catson/image/60520925/original.jpg

Love this shot!

[Carolc]

Very cool photos, everyone! You guys have a great eye (and great equipment!). Thanks for including your settings!

[handicap18]

took this one of DD with my Nikkor 50mm @ 1/125 f/2, I forget the ISO, I'll look it up later when I get on the other computer. Took it at 7pm with just the natural light from the window & sliding glass door.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Mary%20Elizabeth/DSC_2090.jpg

[daannzzz]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_0345.jpg

[daannzzz]

From My SIL


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_1186.jpg

[daannzzz]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_0484.jpg

[daannzzz]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_0240.jpg

[ehagerty]

Copied from another thread of mine on the photography board (Canon camera)

- I bought the Canon 28-135 IS and am very happy with it.
- Interestingly enough, I didn't have a tripod with me last month - so I experimented with the ISO setting - 1600 - for fireworks. You can still capture better-than-rudimentary images without a tripod (should you not want to carry one around) - each of these pictures were all "handheld, no flash" (available light):

Wishes
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/pc4970195fea9962dd99656cea014f98e/edc8ecf3.jpg
ISO = 100
Notes: This was was "lucky" in that the number of exploding fireworks provided sufficient light for the lense to close before hand-held-shake (blur) set in. I rather like the silhouette castle - but it wasn't deliberate.

Illuminations
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p9554fe491c5b66ffc98f737cea19b55d/edc8f0fe.jpg
ISO = 100
Notes: The picture is a little blurry from hand-shake, but it will enlarge just like this to 16 X 20

Spectromagic
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/pb1daf6cd8cd547f1c8b119947817aa4a/edc8c169.jpg
ISO = 1600
Notes: This picture has a crisper image (no blur-shake), but may appear grainy if enlarged (depending on how large)

Adventurers Club
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/pf16dd6a52681f2166a66d89b63e1fb9f/edc8be14.jpg
ISO = 1600
Notes: Usually human movement in low light (without a flash) results in "targeted blur" - that is, the non-moving parts are lit correctly, but the moving parts are blurred - like my Chernabog (see SpectroMagic Thread on this board). Not so with ISO - 1600. I don't think I could have gotten this picture any other way without a flash - and I don't like flashing into performer's eyes, as it can be unsafe for them.

Girl posing for Silouhette
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p8fd5aec593a40d29de20953e3a9b3473/edc8b06f.jpg
ISO = 400

With a crop for the face
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/pbdb05c66c50f9bb41a5b2966023054ea/edc8b0e1.jpg
ISO = 400
Notes: I was going for soft light here; image could have been lighter - less yellow, sharper edges - with ISO = 1600)

Grand Floridian at Sunset
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p4b20fd0efce9d7bf49025c87984b2adc/edc8dc74.jpg
ISO = 400

Looks like Mouse bait
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p5d5c3f979a7d5738820a0e5c6842951f/edc8df31.jpg
ISO = 400

In summary:
- experimenting with ISO was fun and paid off for me. I suggest you take the same picture with ISO 100, 800 and 1600 and compare results. With a few iterations, you'll be able to predict what you will like in a given photo circumstance.
- experimenting with digital is FREE - because you delete the experiments that don't work. I know you already know that, but I have to keep reminding myself in my first year of digital - it's almost like an internal pep talk = "It's OK to take more than one picture. You're allowed to delete the ones that don't work." Old habits die hard...
- If, when you review a picture, the subject is dark, you have at least two options - use the flight to temporarily brighten it - or increase the ISO to give the camera's computer chip the option simulate fast film.
- In order to set the ISO, you need you need to be in the programming zone on the dial - I just used "P" - the first option "above" the auto-zone (green square). This will also prevent the camera from automatically discharging the flash on your behalf.
- Little booklet that comes with camera is accurate and portable
- As with any other new skills (brain-groove), it will be more fun to experiment when not under duress.
- Here is a link to as simple - yet complete - an explanation as an amatuer is likely to digest:

Understanding ISO (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography/)

[Carolc]

One of Daannzzz pics reminded me of this one I took at Legoland

Anyone know how to prevent the blue/green reflection spots?

1/20s f/4.0 at 40.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/image/60883389.jpg

[makinorlando]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/EPCOT/IMG_4765.jpg
American Pav from bridge near Mexico Canon S2-Is - one of my first attempts at low light

Fireworks from Big Thunder Mtn area - Fireworks mode
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Magic%20Kingdom/Fireworks_Parades/Fireworks73.jpg


Great Movie Ride....my favorite movie!
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/MGM/MGM%205-13-2006/IMG_5313.jpg

[YEKCIM]

Tomorrowland, Fujifilm Finepix S5200, ISO 800, handheld, 1/4 second exposure, f/3.2 aperture (wide open)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/fasteddiew/DisneyWorld%202006/DSCF1793.jpg

World Showcase, Fuji Finepix S5200, ISO 64, 8 second exposure @ F/8 (fully stopped down), camera stabilized on handrail:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/fasteddiew/DisneyWorld%202006/DSCF2588.jpg

~YEKCIM

[Yellow_Stitch]

mini tripod on a trash can.
Focal length: 7.9mm
Exposure time: 1.300 s
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO equiv.: 100

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b400/Yellow_Stitch/WDW2006/Disney0579.jpg

[handicap18]

Here are a few from The Great Movie Ride. All at ISO 1600 with a Nikon D50 and 50mm lens:

1/160 at f/1.8
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2006%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20June/Disney%20MGM%20Studios/MGM-Studios/DSC_1077.jpg

1/40 at f/1.8
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2006%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20June/Disney%20MGM%20Studios/MGM-Studios/DSC_1085.jpg

[tolookaa5]

great photos everyone!!
Wish I had some to contribute but still trying to learn all the settings needed for the low light/no light situations without using my nightframing button.

[daannzzz]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_0521.jpg

[Daisy57b]

What mode are you all shooting in? P? Manual? I really need to practice on the low light, especially night shots!!

[Michele]

Ok, consider these my 'before' pictures. They are bad. I took them in December no settings, just point and shoot, because I didn't know how to use my settings. After my trip in September I expect to have some much better ones to show, because I have learned so much on this board.

AKL tree-I'm not sure if this one was with flash or not
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d627b3127cce8bcdbab4991d00000015108AZuGzFk1bM9

Yacht Club tree
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d627b3127cce8bcdb85218ca00000015108AZuGzFk1bM9

Castle
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d627b3127cce8bcdba2d18b400000015108AZuGzFk1bM9

[Virgo10]

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL910/465229/2191207/26440959.jpg

Total eclipse of the moon at Coronado Springs Resort, WDW. Didn't do anything special to get this except keep my fingers crossed. :rotfl: Taken with a Sony Mavica on high resolution.

[Marinerbaby]

Canon 20D ISO 400
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/8820976/122656918.jpg

Canon Rebel (I'm not sure the setting)
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/5980698/76781979.jpg

Here I had no clue what I was doing as this was my first attempt at fireworks. I am hoping to do better this month.

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/8340068/111958292.jpg

[TwoOldPoohs]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h297/daannzzz/IMG_0521.jpg

I love this shot! Do you know what settings you used?

[TwoOldPoohs]

Canon 20D ISO 400
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/8820976/122656918.jpg

Canon Rebel (I'm not sure the setting)
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/5980698/76781979.jpg


These are beautiful photos and would make perfect holiday cards.

[tony64]

Here are some, Just got the camera and this was the first trip, so go easy on me :thumbsup2

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/Florida2006b332.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/Florida2006b297.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/Florida2006a053.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/tony1964/Florida2006a037.jpg

[Carolc]

Acapulco
5s f/4.9 at 35.0mm iso100
http://www.pbase.com/image/64710991.jpg

1s f/4.5 at 14.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/image/64711015.jpg

[daannzzz]

I am not knowledgeable about cameras. I new I diidn't want the flash on through experimentations but I didn't make any other adjustments. :)

File size: 200758 bytes
File date: 2006:06:05 21:31:17
Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon PowerShot A610
Date/Time: 2005:12:17 07:16:23
Resolution: 800 x 600
Flash used: No
Focal length: 14.9mm (35mm equivalent: 75mm)
CCD width: 7.19mm
Exposure time: 1.000 s
Aperture: f/3.5
Whitebalance: Auto
Metering Mode: matrix

[Miller1412]

Halloween
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/miller1412/Halloween2005200.jpg

[0bli0]

wow, my sister comes up with some cool threads... :thumbsup2

1/10 second handheld - Golden Gate
http://www.pbase.com/image/36120959.jpg

...i feel safest of all...
http://www.pbase.com/image/47947723.jpg

indoor statue in Buenos Aires
http://www.pbase.com/image/57493872.jpg

the guy guarding the statue (trying not to look at the guy with the 135 f2 pointed at him...)
http://www.pbase.com/image/57493868.jpg

[0bli0]

1/8 second handheld - bus setdown area between Disneyland and CA
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/california_adventure/l148.jpg

1/3 second handheld - Disneyland HK i even caught a flash and the subject :rotfl2:
http://www.pbase.com/image/51665905.jpg

outside Disneyland HK note mickey on the surfboard goes up and down
http://www.pbase.com/image/51665908.jpg

camera on rubbish bin - Disneyland
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/disneyland/l126.jpg

[tinksdad]

Here's one on deck 10 of the Magic:

http://dkeddy.phanfare.com/show/external/70389/70391/3378283/file.jpg

and one Looking East towards Albuquerque right at twilight:

http://dkeddy.phanfare.com/show/external/78147/78213/4271184/file.jpg

[0bli0]

asakusa japan
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/tokyo/l42.jpg

tarantino would like sevara's feet
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/hkweb/l28.jpg

hk's walk of fame - 20 second exposure on the ground
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/hkweb/l275.jpg

sunset in lamington national park
http://www.pbase.com/image/38867163.jpg

[Carolc]

walk of fame: Wow, hardly anyone moved in 20 seconds?? What's your other exif data? About what time of night was that? Did you get down on the ground to set that up, or did you set it up and then put it on the ground (and cross your fingers)? Lots of questions, hey?

Lamington: I've seen some paintings that look like that...very nice.

[0bli0]

Carol - that shot was 20 seconds at f11. Galerie puts exif data in the webpage, but strips it out in the copied images so i can check the details at home. i took two shots. the first one was 5 seconds at f8. actually there were quite a few people walking through the shot. but yeah, as you noticed the ones who just stood/sat there show up pretty clearly.

the lamington shot turned out suprisingly well. i was experimenting - trying to take the shot without blowing out the moon, but also keeping dof. that one was 70mm - 1/30 @ f13 iso 1000

btw - the shot above from Disneyland - that dark ghosty smudge in the lower right is K2 running around after i pressed the shutter. 1/2 second @ f4

[Carolc]

... that dark ghosty smudge in the lower right is K2 running around after i pressed the shutter. 1/2 second @ f4

I'll have to show him that... :teeth:

Hey, do you know how I can avoid the blue/green spots in my castle photo (#19). I likely had a filter on, though I can't remember if it was the UV or polarizer... could that have done it?

Any other suggestions for my pics on this thread? (as far as settings?).

[0bli0]

i'm guessing it was a uv filter. it can be hard to completely eliminate flare from a stong light source. looking at the photo, i'm guessing it's partially the filter and partially the outer-most lens element groupings.

btw i just checked the exif on the walk of fame shot. ISO 320 - f11, 20 seconds, 15mm fisheye

[jann1033]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/IMG_2872.jpg

using my car-pod til I get a table top type tripod...worked better once the motor was off

[Carolc]

From my point and shoot...

Our position in line when Space Mountain broke down.
http://www.pbase.com/image/64865920.jpg

Our view when said ride broke down.
http://www.pbase.com/image/64865744.jpg

[Carolc]

http://www.pbase.com/image/62359074.jpg

[StrwLady]

I am completely in love with the night shot setting on my camera. It amazes me how good some of the pictures come out. My camera is a Fuji Finepix 5200. I have had it since March and and still learing new stuff about it. Heck with reading manuals. I learn by playing with it.

http://home.comcast.net/~joejamchr/illuminations.jpg

Take Care
Jamie

[grimgrinnin]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51746030-L.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51749948-L.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51750125-L.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51825688-L.jpg





grim pirate:

[grimgrinnin]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51798936-L.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51802632-L.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51814924-L-1.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51847042-L.jpg





grim pirate:

[caniswolfie]

The Dolphin Hotel

http://static.flickr.com/60/198089475_2850cf3a02.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/caniswolfie/198089475/)

The Evil Emperor Zurg from the Buzz Lightyear Ride(left) ---- Tiki Idol for the Tiki Room(right)

http://static.flickr.com/93/206088282_e52416e1f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/caniswolfie/206088282/)http://static.flickr.com/97/206088747_a2eb5dd303.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/caniswolfie/206088747/)

[makinorlando]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Kiers%20Trip%20April%202006/EPCOT/IMG_3759.jpg

[makinorlando]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51825688-L.jpg





grim pirate:

All your photos are beautiful, but I particularly love this one!

[handicap18]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Matthew/DSC_2775.jpg

ISO 1600 1/50th of a second at f/1.8

[dmslush]

This picture is not the greatest, but there is just something about it that I just love! It is my daughter at an aquarium in NC and her face was just beautiful with the low light and reflection of the water..

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL751/2946528/10015672/179444411.jpg

[MickeyCrazed]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Mary%20Elizabeth/DSC_2090.jpg

Your DD is adorable!

[jann1033]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51802632-L.jpg

grim pirate:
:thumbsup2 how do you do this? i was guessing tripod and slow shutter but can't picture you using a tripod here..mind if you show you info for this one

[makinorlando]

Last night from the Beach Club

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Beach%20Club/IMG_0341.jpg

[2angelsinheaven]

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1038/1003279jn6.jpg

Here is one from our cruise on the Wonder last week

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/88/snackdrinkhercules022hx6.jpg

And another

[ladycollector]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/luvjoygirl/0ab947f5.jpg

If I remember, I bumped the ISO up and held still for about a 5 second exposure.

[Kelly Grannell]

No way that can be 5 sec exposure. The slowest would be 1/5 sec.

[Furgus]

EXIF Data shows 5" so I guess it was 5 sec :)

Nice shot BTW.

[ladycollector]

No way that can be 5 sec exposure. The slowest would be 1/5 sec.

Huh? I'm not very educated on how everything works (I'm learning) but I know I had it where it was taking about 10 seconds and that was just too long and it ended up shaking so I ended up with a faster (my guess was 5 seconds) exposure. Could you please tell me what you mean by your comment? Thanks

[Kelly Grannell]

it's just impossible for anybody to handheld a camera for 5 seconds with no assistance (be it a tripod, leaning the lens against something solid) and be that still. Also look at the tall grass, there is no blur whatsoever. There will be some kind of movement blur for a 5 sec exposure but there is none.


Here's a pic of 1/4 second shot handheld and look at the motion blur of people who hardly moved at all. The superblurs are from people walking at a regular museum-browsing pace.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/kgranell/quarter-second.jpg

[ladycollector]

it's just impossible for anybody to handheld a camera for 5 seconds with no assistance (be it a tripod, leaning the lens against something solid) and be that still. Also look at the tall grass, there is no blur whatsoever. There will be some kind of movement blur for a 5 sec exposure but there is none.

Here's a pic of 1/4 second shot handheld and look at the motion blur of people who hardly moved at all. The superblurs are from people walking at a regular museum-browsing pace.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/kgranell/quarter-second.jpg

So what are you suggesting?

I can assure you that I held that camera there for 5 seconds. It was rested on the wooden walkway handle. Also, the tall blade of sea oat is slightly blurry. I also took the pic into photoshop, like any other good photographer, and sharpened it.

Your pic has people walking and is not of the beach at night. You can look at the EXIF data. It tells you my exposure time and even tells you the time of night it was.

This is the first time I've posted a pic here and probably the last. I was very excited about how the pic (one of my first few sharp low light pics) came out and just wanted to share.

[dmslush]

So what are you suggesting?

I can assure you that I held that camera there for 5 seconds. It was rested on the wooden walkway handle. Also, the tall blade of sea oat is slightly blurry. I also took the pic into photoshop, like any other good photographer, and sharpened it.

Your pic has people walking and is not of the beach at night. You can look at the EXIF data. It tells you my exposure time and even tells you the time of night it was.

This is the first time I've posted a pic here and probably the last. I was very excited about how the pic (one of my first few sharp low light pics) came out and just wanted to share.


You're picture is very beautiful and I hope you keep sharing your shots with us!! I don't know much about cameras except to point and shoot and upload LOL LOL. But, I do get some pretty decent shots here and there and love seeing everyone elses. :hug:

[ladycollector]

You're picture is very beautiful and I hope you keep sharing your shots with us!! I don't know much about cameras except to point and shoot and upload LOL LOL. But, I do get some pretty decent shots here and there and love seeing everyone elses. :hug:

Thanks! It took quite a few shots to get the one I posted...it definitely wasn't the first shot I took. LOL. Many of them turned out too blurry. Also, thanks Furgus. :goodvibes

[Kelly Grannell]

So what are you suggesting?

I can assure you that I held that camera there for 5 seconds. It was rested on the wooden walkway handle. Also, the tall blade of sea oat is slightly blurry.

Then it's not handheld, you mentioned:

held still for 5 seconds

Remember it's not the picture that I have problem with, the claim of holding the camera still for 5 second that I find it impossible (which turned out to be not handheld).

[ladycollector]

I never said it was "hand" held, if you want to get technical. I typed it quickly and I did "hold" it (as I stated) for 5 seconds. It was a slanted walkway handle so I couldn't just sit it there and click. I am sorry I didn't explain all this in the first post.

I get what you're saying, but I didn't realize you were supposed to be that specific in this thread. Now I know. Your tone was very accusatory. Next time I'll just post the photo without details to avoid all this, as my only intention was to share the photo, not to be deceptive, not start an argument...none of that.

Let's just end this now.

Thankyou,
Kayla

[Kelly Grannell]

sorry if I sound accusatory. I just thought that your camera EXIF maybe wrong due to (again) nobody can hold a camera still for 5 second. Don't mean to accuse you of lying.

[disneyfreakjackie]

You're picture is very beautiful and I hope you keep sharing your shots with us!! I don't know much about cameras except to point and shoot and upload LOL LOL. But, I do get some pretty decent shots here and there and love seeing everyone elses. :hug:

I second this comment! Keep sharing!! I have SO much to learn and I LOVE coming to this board to see everyones BEAUTIFUL pics! ;)

BTW ... ladycollector I LOVE your name ... my oldest dd (17) is named Kayla! LOVE it!! :thumbsup2

[TheLionKing]

I try to perfect my slow shutter speed panning with my surfing photography to give them a unique feel. I do use a tripod. This was NOT hand held. The lens weighs about 13 pounds.

1/15 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54049618.jpg


1/10 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54246456.jpg


1/15 second at F5.6

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/58187480.jpg


Not sure the exact settings but probably around 1/30 at F5.6

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/53785081.jpg

1/30 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54577741.jpg

[MOmousefan]

My duaghter used our S70 to take these pics.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/mtsanders/WDW%202005/Fan1768x576.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/mtsanders/WDW%202005/Wish2576x768.jpg

[Mickey Fliers]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51746030-L.jpg

grim pirate:


How on earth did you get this pic? I am so jealous. What did you use for settings? Please, oh please, help the inept!!

[caniswolfie]

Edited, Late Post.. :rolleyes1

[2angelsinheaven]

Here are a few more from the Walt Disney Theater onboard the Disney Wonder Ship. I took these without flash but set up on a tripod with my Kodak EasyShare z760 on Sport Mode. These are from the stage show The Golden Mickeys.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7995/lkmq4.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6426/lk1ho1.jpg

From the Can You Feel The Love Tonight Set

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7336/mulangg8.jpg

From the Mulan set

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/15/sbcp5.jpg

Sleeping Beauty

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3695/tsgn0.jpg

You've got a friend in me

I'm pretty happy considering I wasn't allowed to use flash or use the screen on the camera so I just pressed the shutter and hoped for a good result. :thumbsup2

I've got some from Hercules the "Muse"ical and Disney Dreams I'll post later.

[2angelsinheaven]

Ok now for Hercules...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1538/hercules1jf4.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2472/hercules2eg6.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4742/hercules3lk0.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9829/hercules4cj1.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5768/hercules5ui2.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/626/hercules6sn3.jpg

[2angelsinheaven]

And now Disney Dreams, these are so so, I was not able to sit in the center for these so they did not come out all that well. But still flashless and low light... :wizard: And Disney!

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5087/dd1qi0.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7426/dd2jf5.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8486/dd3fh8.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7748/dd4mv6.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2800/dd5kf2.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9201/dd6pi2.jpg

[makinorlando]

I thought this pic was fun... Tara and I visited Wonderworks yesterday. When you enter you have to go through this dark tunnel, that gives you the illusion that it is spinning due to the lights that are spinning around you. For me it is difficult to walk through (I can't do anything spinny) - anyway - I took one pic with the flash when Tara got to the other end, and decided to try one without. I had the exposure set for too long, it was dark, and I was trying to do it in a hurry, but I kind of like the result. Tara is the "blob" in the middle -she of course did not stand still or get out of the way....

Here is without flash
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Wonderworks/IMG_0359.jpg

Exposure time: 13.000 s
Aperture: f/2.7

Here is what it looks like without the "Illusion" - I don't think Tara realized I was taking the pic... silly girl - I am always taking pics!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Wonderworks/IMG_0358.jpg

[Kelly Grannell]

love the first pic Mak!

[NurseJamie]

took this one of DD with my Nikkor 50mm @ 1/125 f/2, I forget the ISO, I'll look it up later when I get on the other computer. Took it at 7pm with just the natural light from the window & sliding glass door.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Mary%20Elizabeth/DSC_2090.jpg


I know this was posted like, 2 weeks ago, but I just found this thread and had to say that your daughter is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen (and I work with kids!) She is absolutely adorable!!!!

[handicap18]

I know this was posted like, 2 weeks ago, but I just found this thread and had to say that your daughter is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen (and I work with kids!) She is absolutely adorable!!!!

Thank you very much NurseJamie. Very kind words. :)

[extreme8]

Here are a few of mine.
Just got back and haven't had time to edit them (other than resizing)
Comments and suggestions are welcome.

queue at Soarin'
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/soarin.jpg

lunch at Scifi
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/scifi.jpg

EMH at Epcot
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/china.jpg

[Kelly Grannell]

gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!

[extreme8]

WhooHoo! a compliment from Kelly!

I was hesitant to post after seeing all of the amazing work you folks are capable of but now that the dam is broken, here are a few more.
Nothing earth shattering. Hopefully it's worthy of sitting side by side with your efforts.

Another Scifi
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/PICT0125resize.jpg

My kids & the Epcot fiber optic sidewalks
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/PICT0325resize.jpg

The typical Space Ship Earth shots that we've all taken
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/PICT0331resize.jpg

The fountain at the Royal Polynesian Resort (universal)
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/PICT0292resize.jpg

And this one is a cheat - I did use flash but the little pop-up on my Minolta 5D doesn't really count from that distance, does it?
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/PICT0242resize.jpg

[Kelly Grannell]

Wow! I think you're the first person who 'caught' the Yeti this clearly. Every other photos I've seen of the Yeti have been blurry.

[extreme8]

That's me, the great Yeti hunter.
Here's the same pic with some processing in Photoshop.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/yeti.jpg

[jann1033]

I


.../IMG]
edited to save space...but these( surf pictures) are absolutely beautiful :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[cseca]

OK seriously, you gals and guys are amazing.
Could you tell me which one of you are using point and shoot camera without manual settings? And what camera.
I could never get any pictures close to what you all have...
makes me jealous... :)

Thanks for the help!

[2angelsinheaven]

All mine were with sport settings on my Kodak, I didn't bother with manual, just point and shoot and hope for the best.

[cseca]

All mine were with sport settings on my Kodak, I didn't bother with manual, just point and shoot and hope for the best.

WOW!!!
Which kodak do you have?
That's wonderful.

[grimgrinnin]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51802632-L.jpg
:thumbsup2 how do you do this? i was guessing tripod and slow shutter but can't picture you using a tripod here..mind if you show you info for this one


I rested the camera on the chain-link fence in the que. You can see a little piece of the fence in the bottom right of the pic.

grim pirate:

[grimgrinnin]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51746030-L.jpg

How on earth did you get this pic? I am so jealous. What did you use for settings? Please, oh please, help the inept!!

I used a tripod for this one. Not sure of the settings, as I don't have the original image handy.

grim pirate:

[grimgrinnin]

Last night's thunderstorm:

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89826960-M.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89828034-M.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89827463-M.jpg

grim pirate:

[Kelly Grannell]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/quarter-second.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/crab.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/miniature1.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/Racoon.jpghttp://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/Deer.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/Iron-Man.jpghttp://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/landakmedia/Royal%20Ontario%20Museum%20Exhibit/Totem-Pole-3200.jpg

[2angelsinheaven]

WOW!!!
Which kodak do you have?
That's wonderful.

Z760, I love it, I've gotten pretty good results with little effort.

[cseca]

Thanks 2angelsinheaven!

Kelly, your pictures are amazing (ok, the crab one REALLY grosses me out... :) ...).

[Kelly Grannell]

thanks. It grosses me out too, but the museum wants is for their brochure so I'm sharing the grossity (yeah, that's not a word) with the DISers.

All pictures were taken using ISO 1600 or 3200, handheld including the top one (1/4 second shutter speed) thanks to the Canon 17-55/2.8 IS.

[2angelsinheaven]

Kelly, how much does a camera like that cost w/ lens?

[Kelly Grannell]

for those shots I use Canon 30D with vertical grip with Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens. The total price in Canada (converted to US dollars) is approximately $3,000. I think you can get the same configuration in the US for only $2,500.

[Michele]

Last night's thunderstorm:

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89826960-M.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89828034-M.jpg

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89827463-M.jpg

grim pirate:


These are awesome!!!! I LOVE lightning pictures. I've been lucky to catch a few myself, but nothing like this.

[dcg0317]

Last night's thunderstorm:
http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/89828034-M.jpg
grim pirate:
Nice shots grimgrinnin, hope noone was under that tree.

[disneyfreakjackie]

Wow! I think you're the first person who 'caught' the Yeti this clearly. Every other photos I've seen of the Yeti have been blurry.
WOW! AGAIN!! This is terrific!! First pic I've seen of it!!! You GOOOO!!! :thumbsup2 I'd like to try for that pic but DH might FREAK if I pop the camera out on a roller coaster!!! :blush:

[extreme8]

I wouldn't recommend it. It was a bit unnerving trying to protect my Dslr while hurtling through the Himalayas :goodvibes
I couldn't use the viewfinder most of the time because I was afraid of giving myself a black eye or a whacking myself in the head and getting a concussion!
I have a few more pics from the ride, but I don't want to hijack the thread. I'll start another and post there.

Here it is
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1205567

[Mickey Fliers]

Does this count? This is inside a monument at Little Round Top in Gettysburg. Low light, no flash. Must qualify :thumbsup2 .

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/my3pirates/july06206.jpg

[Carolc]

Here are a few of mine.
Just got back and haven't had time to edit them (other than resizing)
Comments and suggestions are welcome.

lunch at Scifi
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/bpantani/scifi.jpg
Your photos of Sci Fi are great!... how did you take them? I took the kids to eat there on Tuesday, and I felt embarrassed to run in front of our car long enough to get a picture of them with the point and shoot (I didn't even try with my DSLR). I noticed from your exif that this one was over 3 seconds. Where did you put it? Did you bring a tripod?

Thanks,
Carol

[extreme8]

I did take them with a tripod & remote shutter release. Just one of the little cheapie tabletop ones that fit in bottom of my backpack. I just setup the tripod on the fender of the car and clicked off a few.

I'm usually not comfortable making a big fuss when I take a picture but I really wanted this shot (I was inspired by a similar shot in another thread). I asked my waiter if it was OK and he said it was fine to take all the pictures we wanted and even offered to take some of us in our car.
After we got our picture taken I guess other folks relaxed enough to do the same because flashes started going off all over the place.

[makinorlando]

Your photos of Sci Fi are great!... how did you take them? I took the kids to eat there on Tuesday, and I felt embarrassed to run in front of our car long enough to get a picture of them with the point and shoot (I didn't even try with my DSLR). I noticed from your exif that this one was over 3 seconds. Where did you put it? Did you bring a tripod?

Thanks,
Carol

I agree the photo is great! I was admiring it as well!

[extreme8]

I agree the photo is great! I was admiring it as well!

Wow, I really appreicate all of the great comments.
As I mentioned before, I've been lurking here for a long time but never posted because I didn't feel that my work was good enough to stand along side what I was seeing here.
I guess you're always your own worst critic...

[toocooltobeMom]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Todderlebenden/Disney126.jpg

DS(14) took this while dining @ Japanese Restaurant 8/18/06.
Used A Canon EOS XT With No Flash, Done Free Hand

[rer1972]

http://grimgrinnin.smugmug.com/photos/51798936-L.jpg
grim pirate:
That shot (as well as your others) is awesome!

[jtimmons]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k103/jonton_1/P1000850.jpg

[MarkBarbieri]

Starry Night
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497678-M.jpg

Sparkler
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/27290303-M.jpg

Sunrise in Pacific Grove
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/90730609-M.jpg

Sunset in the Mountains
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497558-M.jpg

[makinorlando]

More great photos!


Starry starry night is great! I was admiring Orion in the early morning sky when I was out with the dog and considered coming in for my camera but it was just too early and before my coffee!:coffee:

[jann1033]

Starry Night
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497678-M.jpg

Sparkler
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/27290303-M.jpg

Sunrise in Pacific Grove
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/90730609-M.jpg

Sunset in the Mountains
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497558-M.jpg

beautifuly! mind spilling your guts about the shooting info? :teeth:

[Carolc]

beautifuly! mind spilling your guts about the shooting info? :teeth:


OMG... I agree!! MarkBarbieri - These are absolutely stunning shots! Please share some tips for us beginners! :listen:

Carol

[Carolc]

Wow, I really appreicate all of the great comments.
As I mentioned before, I've been lurking here for a long time but never posted because I didn't feel that my work was good enough to stand along side what I was seeing here.
I guess you're always your own worst critic...

Are you nuts?? You are your worst critic... Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!! You obviously have a good eye (and good equipment). By all means, please post more!! popcorn::

...and if you have any 'unusual' Disney park shots, please post over on the other thread (link is in my signature).

Looking forward to seeing more... :thumbsup2

Carol

[MarkBarbieri]

For the Starry Night photo, I put the camera on a tripod and used a remote shutter release. I used a high iso because this time I actually wanted noise in the shot. I inclued the trees in the photo for sense of perspective. The red/purple fringe at the top is a problem that early Canon DSLRs (this was a D60) had with extremely long exposures. In this case, I thought it added to the picture. The original was very muted and because I was trying for a weird sci-fi sky look, I oversaturated the colors.

I took a few shots at different exposure lengths. Shorter shots had fewer stars, but the stars were sharper. During the longer shots, the stars moved significantly. This was the best compromise.

I've also had fun with ultra-long exposure shots (several hours). In those cases the stars trace circular trails across the sky with the north star roughly at the center of the circles.

One interesting thing about the photo is that you can see a thin line running diagonally across the sky about two thirds of the way up through the photo. I pretty certain that this is the trail of a satellite going across the sky. If you camp in really desolate areas and have binoculars or really good eyes, you can sometimes see them wander across the sky.
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497678-M.jpg

The Sparkler photo was one of many taken of my kids and the neighbor kids taken on the 4th of July last year. Again, the camera is on a tripod. Looking at the EXIF data, I guess I did use a flash on this one (oops, sorry). I used Aperture priority mode, which on Canon SLRs fires the flash but keeps the shutter open for a while afterwards. That allowed me to show my son and the street with the flash and still have time for the sparkler to make its trail. The shot was 0.8 seconds at f4 with an ISO of 200 and a focual length of 40mm.
http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/27290303-M.jpg

The Sunrise in Pacific Grove photo was taken in February in Pacific Grove, California. PG is a pretty little town between Monterey and Carmel on the Monterey Peninsula. That area is a photographer's paradise.

For the shot, I had the sun rising behind me (you can see the glow off of the windows of one of the buildings). It was a 2 second shot at f22 with an ISO of 100 and a focal length of 28mm. The 2 second shutter speed allowed the water to move enough to have a ghostly quality but still be recognizable. I have some other shots taken with longer speeds where the water looks like a spooky fog on the water.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/90730609-M.jpg

The Sunset in the Mountains photo was taken up in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado. The don't often get colorful sunsets there, so this was a treat. The original photo was pretty drab, so I made to major changes. First, I totally blacked out the lower part (even blacking over a few cabin lights). Second, I massively oversaturated the colors at the top. It makes the sunset look surreal. Some people like. Others have found it hideous. I like it, which is what matters to me.

For anyone bored enough to want to browse more photos from these occasions, you can see the Starry Night and Sunset in the Mountains pictures from my 2002 trip to Colorado at http://barbieri.smugmug.com/gallery/1630315. You can see the Fourth of July pictures from 2005 at http://barbieri.smugmug.com/gallery/639725. You can see my 2003 Monterey pictures at http://barbieri.smugmug.com/gallery/486530. My main smugmug site is http://barbieri.smugmug.com. I also have lots of photo slideshows at http://barbierifamily.org/slideshow.

I'd be happy to explain how (or why) I took any of the pictures, did the photo editing work, or created the slideshows. As my smugmug home page makes clear, I've got more equipment than talent. Still, I like my pictures and that's enough for me. I especially love my Erik's First Four Years (http://www.box.net/public/static/uecafb27ea.exe) slideshow and highly recommend making something similar for your kid's next birthday party.

[jann1033]

if you have more equipment than talent you must have semitruck loads of stuff cause sure don't think you lack talent :teeth:

thanks so much... i might try these out next trip

[Carolc]

Thanks for taking the time to provide us with all this good information, Mark.

For Starry Night, you mentioned you experimented with different exposures... but how long was the exposure on this one? I really like it...

I agree with you... I like the sunset in the mountains. I can't imagine anyone thinking it is hideous. What do you use to edit your photos, Photoshop? I think I am the only person who does not own it. :blush:

I looked at your website quickly (you have a ton of great photos!). One 'search' word that caught my eye was 'accident'... what happened to your (son?)? Ow!

Thanks again,
Carol

[MarkBarbieri]

how long was the exposure on this one

I lost the EXIF on that one and don't recall. I think it was something like 4 or 8 minutes at F5.6 and ISO 1600.

what happened to your (son?)?
He had just learned to ride his bike without training wheels a few weeks before. For some reason, our usually cautious son decided to ride it down the one significant hill in our area. He didn't handle the transition from grass to concrete properly and wiped out on his face on the concrete. His helmet was barely scratched but his face had major road rash (as you could see). My wife got really scared when she got him into the car and he wanted to know how he got hurt because he couldn't remember anything about it.

On the positive side, it healed amazingly fast. Within about 10 days the only signs of the accident were a few extremely pale patches of skin. He doesn't seem to have suffered any lasting damage from the accident.

[MarkBarbieri]

As for the Sunset in the Mountains photo, I've found that a lot of people either like their photos to be totally realistic or totally abstracted. Anything that is somewhat realistic but faked annoys them. I'm not sure why, but I've noticed it with other photos I've taken where I've distorted reality to suit my desires rather than simply recording what I saw.

[tony64]

Sunset in the mountains is a great shot IMO :thumbsup2

and the sunrise is as well :thumbsup2

helll they all are. :thumbsup2

[all4fun]

bumping

[shyjade]

All I can say is...WOW, you people are amazing!!!! Your photos have left me speachless.

I feel stupid even asking this question amongt such great talent, but here it goes: I have a Kodak EasyShare CX6330 - definately nothing fancy!!! I avoid dark shots at all costs because of the blur (on nighttime setting) or just plain lack of brightness when using a flash. Now I realize I need to turn the flash off, and have a super steady hand (or small tripod)...any other advice for an incompetant photographer who LOVES taking pictures?! :listen:

[boBQuincy]

The Sunrise in Pacific Grove photo was taken in February in Pacific Grove, California. PG is a pretty little town between Monterey and Carmel on the Monterey Peninsula. That area is a photographer's paradise.


For this photo you either were at Green Gables or standing across the stret from it. GG is our favorite palce to stay when in the Monterey area.

Here's one of mine from our trip this June:
http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/CRW_6549_comp.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/grngbls_6553.jpg

[pxlbarrel]

Waterfalls on the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel

http://www.chrismak.com/singapore-0.9.11/galleries/Disneyland/Night Shots/IMG_2221.JPG

[makinorlando]

Not great - but passable... this is at the beginning of the POTC ride now - the picture is projected on a "sheet" of mist - and then the boat floats through it!


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/ERNESTO%20DAY/IMG_0792.jpg

Here's one from the entrance area of Haunted Mansion.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/ERNESTO%20DAY/IMG_0774.jpg

and the bride
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/ERNESTO%20DAY/IMG_0779.jpg

[PoohJen]

Wow! After seeing all these wonderful pics, all I can say is I'M NOT WORTHY!!! :worship: :worship: :worship:

Nonetheless, I will post my humble, beginner's shot, just b/c I'm so happy to have a camera that can take a decent no flash shot! This is handheld, 1600 ISO, of the Disney Dreams finale from way back in the Walt Disney Theater on the Magic
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k86/PoohJen_2006/a84bee5b.jpg

[boBQuincy]

Wow! After seeing all these wonderful pics, all I can say is I'M NOT WORTHY!!! :worship: :worship: :worship:

Nonetheless, I will post my humble, beginner's shot, just b/c I'm so happy to have a camera that can take a decent no flash shot! This is handheld, 1600 ISO, of the Disney Dreams finale from way back in the Walt Disney Theater on the Magic

Humble, beginner's shot? Not worthy?
Think again, Jen! This is a really good photo of a difficult subject, you're doing great!

[MarkBarbieri]

For this photo you either were at Green Gables or standing across the stret from it.

We were in a rental house on Monterey Ave. The photo was taken from somewhere in that area, definitely near the GG.

Here are some other low-light *FLASHLESS* pictures from the area:

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/19840209-L.jpg

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/90730332-L.jpg

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/19838947-L.jpg

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/19839069-L.jpg

[Carolc]

Humble, beginner's shot? Not worthy?
Think again, Jen! This is a really good photo of a difficult subject, you're doing great!

I agree, Jen... you did a great job. Even though the stage lighting is really low, all the subjects are well defined in the picture. My camera unfortunately doesn't handle 1600 well without a lot of noise (unless subject is well-lit). I don't see any visible noise in yours. :thumbsup2 Please post some more.

[Carolc]

Hey Mark,

Very nice photos (again!). I especially like the first two. I assume you used a slow shutter speed? I never thought of doing that by the ocean.. I'll have to try that sometime. All of you guys have given me some great inspiration these last few months!

[carolina_yankee]

I love the Pacific Grove photos - unfortunatley, most of mine are in the daylight. Gotta go back (and love the Green Gables Inn, too!)

The Disney Magic is almost impossible to photograph poorly.

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/70427377-M.jpg

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/70427431-M.jpg

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/70428956-M.jpg

Dirk

[MarkBarbieri]

I assume you used a slow shutter speed?

Yes. During the time that the shutter is open, the waves continue to move. Instead of looking like waves, they look more and more like fog or mist. You often see a similar effect with waterfall pictures. Shorter exposures show the fall frozen in time. Longer expsures show a soft sheen of where water has moved during the photo.

There are several interesting effects that can be achieved during a long exposure. You can have a person in one place during part of the exposure and then gone for the rest. In that case, you'll see them and what's behind them, makin them look like a ghost.

Objects that are much brighter than the rest of the subject, such as a flashlight, sparkler, or a candle, can be moved while shooting the picture. In those cases, they appear like lines and curves in the photo. A classic example of this is long exposure photographs of roads where the headlights and tail lights leave trails of white and red lines across the picture.

Another fun thing to do during a long exposure is to paint with light. If you take a picture of a dark scene and, during the exposure run around painting objects in the picture with a flashlight, those objects will show up much brighter than everything else.

As I said before, very long duration photos showing the night sky record the trails showing the paths of the stars across the sky.

Long exposures on dark stormy nights are a great way to capture lightning bolts.

You can also pan the camera during long exposures to track a moving object. When done well, the subject is sharp and the background has a motion blurred look to it, emphasising the speed of the subject. Some image stabilizers have a mode that forces them to stabilize motion perpendicular to the panning direction but not to mess up the panning. Personally, I've gotten better results for most motion shots by using a high shutter speed to freeze the action, cutting out subject, applying motion blur, and then pasting the frozen subject back on. Panning well is really, really hard. Cut-blur-past in Photoshop is easy. See my kids sledding in the cold weather picture thread for an example.

Finally, if you are using a camera that can do it, mixing flash and long exposures can help get some great shots. Let's say that you want to take a picture of your special person in front of the castle during the fireworks show and you want to capture a bunch of fireworks. Typically when you try to do this you either get a quick flash shot which shows few if any fireworks or a great fireworks shot with a blurry person that wasn't perfectly still during the 5 second exposure. What you can do is set up the shot to capture the fireworks and castle but ALSO fire the flash to illuminate the person. Most of the light for the person will come from the flash, so if they move a bit, it won't show. The long exposure will give time for the background to appear.

[jann1033]

....
Finally, if you are using a camera that can do it, mixing flash and long exposures can help get some great shots. Let's say that you want to take a picture of your special person in front of the castle during the fireworks show and you want to capture a bunch of fireworks. Typically when you try to do this you either get a quick flash shot which shows few if any fireworks or a great fireworks shot with a blurry person that wasn't perfectly still during the 5 second exposure. What you can do is set up the shot to capture the fireworks and castle but ALSO fire the flash to illuminate the person. Most of the light for the person will come from the flash, so if they move a bit, it won't show. The long exposure will give time for the background to appear.

edited to save space....

not getting how you would do this..i have a rebel xt so don't know if i could or not but it does have an auto night mode that i think does that but i couldn't control the length of exposure. trying to figure out how the flash could be triggered except by the shutter button( sorry if this is dumb :lmao:but i am perplexed)

[PoohJen]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys!

Mark, love those shots - drool-worthy!

Carolina Yankee, being a DCL freak, I loved your Magic shots too; except for the crowded Pirate Nite party, I didn't think of taking night shots on the upper decks; incentive to go back and try!! :thumbsup2

[boBQuincy]

edited to save space....

not getting how you would do this..i have a rebel xt so don't know if i could or not but it does have an auto night mode that i think does that but i couldn't control the length of exposure. trying to figure out how the flash could be triggered except by the shutter button( sorry if this is dumb :lmao:but i am perplexed)


It's not dumb at all, it's a good question!

When set to Av, the Canon SLRs will fire the flash *and* keep the shutter open for whatever time the shutter speed is set to by the camera. If it is dark the shutter speed will usually be very slow, maybe several seconds. To adjust the shutter speed, change the aperture setting (but remember a small aperture will limit how far the flash will work).

The "Night Portrait" mode does this automagically.
For moving objects (like nighttime parades) it is usually best to set the flash to fire with the "2nd curtain" so the ""trails" are behind the subject (see photo below). This option should be in your custom functions.

Ah, the beauty of digital, we can play around with this for hours, for no extra charge! ;)


http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy/vehicles/IMG_3931.jpg

[MarkBarbieri]

Thanks, boBQuincy. That's better than I would have explained it.

Mark, love those shots - drool-worthy!
Thanks, PoohJen. If you ever get the chance to go to Pacific Grove, you'll quickly see that "drool-worthy" shots are just about everywhere you point your camera.

[PoohJen]

When set to Av, the Canon SLRs will fire the flash *and* keep the shutter open for whatever time the shutter speed is set to by the camera. If it is dark the shutter speed will usually be very slow, maybe several seconds. To adjust the shutter speed, change the aperture setting (but remember a small aperture will limit how far the flash will work).

The "Night Portrait" mode does this automagically.
For moving objects (like nighttime parades) it is usually best to set the flash to fire with the "2nd curtain" so the ""trails" are behind the subject (see photo below). This option should be in your custom functions.

okay, wait! Let me write this down!!! Great tip/lesson; I'll try it on the Halloween Parade at WDW this October! pirate:

[Pea-n-Me]

I've really enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful pictures! I also don't feel worthy :worship: but WTH, here are some of mine.

Taken from the top of a trashcan after a rainstorm at MGM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/trashcan.jpg


On my sunrise walk, Deck 4, Disney Wonder

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/780d8f01.jpg


Taken from our Wonder verandah, camera balanced on a wine box on our railing, LOL

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/e4fd0889.jpg

[Carolc]

There are several interesting effects that can be achieved during a long exposure....

This is great, Mark! You've inspired me to want to try more of these types of shots... I started a new 'show me' thread. I've seen a lot of great shots spread over several threads, so I'm hoping a central 'repository' would be a good place where we can look and get inspiration for these types of shots. I hope you and everyone else who has experimented with long exposures will post (repost) there!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1213577

Thanks!
Carol

[shyjade]

I've really enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful pictures! I also don't feel worthy :worship: but WTH, here are some of mine.

Taken from the top of a trashcan after a rainstorm at MGM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/trashcan.jpg


On my sunrise walk, Deck 4, Disney Wonder

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/780d8f01.jpg


Taken from our Wonder verandah, camera balanced on a wine box on our railing, LOL

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/e4fd0889.jpg

Are you nuts?!! These are gorgeous!!!! :thumbsup2

[JR6ooo4]

I try to perfect my slow shutter speed panning with my surfing photography to give them a unique feel. I do use a tripod. This was NOT hand held. The lens weighs about 13 pounds.

1/15 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54049618.jpg


1/10 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54246456.jpg


1/15 second at F5.6

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/58187480.jpg


Not sure the exact settings but probably around 1/30 at F5.6

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/53785081.jpg

1/30 second at F4

http://www.pbase.com/sbdigitalimages/image/54577741.jpg
All these surf shots are nuthin' but WOW!!
thanks greatly for sharing, and everyone else thanks as well
Mikeeee

[dcg0317]

Are you nuts?!! These are gorgeous!!!! :thumbsup2
I agree, great shots. I love the one from the Disney Wonder great eye.
Here's a couple of mine from Epcot.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/amtphoto/WDW%202005/Epcot/Imagination-02.jpg


http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/amtphoto/WDW%202005/Epcot/Spaceship-earth-01.jpg

[pxlbarrel]

DCA

http://www.chrismak.com/singapore-0.9.11/galleries/Disneyland/Night Shots/IMG_3770.JPG

http://www.chrismak.com/singapore-0.9.11/galleries/Disneyland/Night Shots/IMG_3775.JPG

DL Tomorrowland
http://www.chrismak.com/singapore-0.9.11/galleries/Disneyland/Night Shots/IMG_2368.JPG

Fireworks
http://www.chrismak.com/singapore-0.9.11/galleries/Disneyland/Fireworks/IMG_2580.JPG

[Pea-n-Me]

Are you nuts?!! These are gorgeous!!!! :thumbsup2Thank you so much! DH put the Disney&Co shot on our desktop and I have to say it looks awesome there! :wizard:

Let's see some more!

[shyjade]

I would LOVE to be able to take shots like these but I don't think it's possible with my Kodak Easyshare. If I'm wrong, someone please tell me!!!!!

[Master Mason]

I don't know anything about kodaks but if you give a model number someone may just be able to help you out.....

[shyjade]

I don't know anything about kodaks but if you give a model number someone may just be able to help you out.....

Kodak EasyShare CX6330

[SIFORD'S LOVE WDW]

I know this can't be hard to post a picture, but I cannot figure it out? HELP!! got a few great shots that I would love to share :)

[MarkBarbieri]

I know this can't be hard to post a picture

If your pictures are already online somewhere, go to that site. Then right click on the picture and get it's address. When you are typing your post here, click on the little http://www.disboards.com/images/editor/insertimage.gif symbol and paste in the address of the photo.

[boBQuincy]

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/ec-tree-2.jpg
Epcot's Christmas Tree

[boBQuincy]

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/friendship-CRW_5015-ni-usm.jpg
Back home at Boardwalk from a long night at Epcot

[RadioNate]

great pics

[TCPluto]

Partial\shot of World of Disney buildinh sign:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid214/p7b8707f23841e0a559951ae73afc21af/ed11fa80.jpg

[Marinerbaby]

I was finally able to get a few shots of the fireworks and parade when we went a few weeks ago. :D

When you Wish Upon a Star...
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/1963340/186396819.jpg

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/1963340/186396815.jpg

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/1963340/186396824.jpg

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/1963340/186396809.jpg

My DD at the Grand Floridian. No Flash, just natural light through the window...
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/460897/1963340/186402290.jpg

[dcg0317]

I was finally able to get a few shots of the fireworks and parade when we went a few weeks ago. :D
Very nice Marinerbaby, the one of the castle and your daughter are beautiful, :thumbsup2

[TCPluto]

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/ec-tree-2.jpg
Epcot's Christmas Tree

I took that same photo of the angel!!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid202/p2b417db93a614ee7b1d6aafb8cef5261/efdc365c.jpg

[SIFORD'S LOVE WDW]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/502/45968IMG_3605A-med.jpg/

[SIFORD'S LOVE WDW]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/502/45968IMG_3605A-med.jpg

[wdwpluto]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d739b3127cce8caf3021badf00000016108IaMXLlm0Z4

Bubba Gumps in Maui

[0bli0]

DisneySea's Columbia
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l346.jpg

Vulcania
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l389.jpg

Mickey & Minnie in Mediterranean Harbour
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l368.jpg

Sinbad's Adventures
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l255.jpg

[shyjade]

Help! We leave for Disney in the morning and I've borrowed a great camera so I can get night shots, but I don't know how to use it (other than auto settings).

I was playing around with it last night in the back yard and took the following shots of the church next door. I know they aren't great...what can I do to improve my nighttime photos?

TIA!
Jen

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Shyjade/Test026.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Shyjade/Test018.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Shyjade/Test017.jpg

[pxlbarrel]

What kind of camera is it? (Brand and model) Once we know, we can recomend some settings! For example...if there's a landscape setting, try putting it on that and see what your results are like. Or when you're taking photos of people at night, if you have a setting that has a little head and a star on it (I don't know what the setting is called...twilight?), that's supposed to take a photo so that your people are illuminated and the background can be seen too. If you don't use it, your photos make turn out with very lit people with a black background.

A tripod will make all the difference in lots of nightshots.

If you have it, bring the manual with you. You can read it on the plane or car (depending on how you're travelling). I always bring my manual with me...no matter how long I've had the camera. :rotfl2:

By the way, those photos don't look too bad.

[shyjade]

Thanks! It's a Nikon E8800 and has TONS of bells & whistles, I just haven't learned them yet. I do plan on bringing the manual with, I was just hoping for a few basic rules to start with. I wish I had more time to experiment but I just got the camera last night and we leave at 4am tomorrow.

(by the way, I didn't post the 15 pictures I took that were horrid! ;) )

[pxlbarrel]

Hmmmm....I use Canon cameras so I'm not much help other than the general stuff I mentioned.

Although, I did got to a website just now that said that you shouldn't change your ISO setting too high because that camera has a lot of noise at the higher ISO settings.

As for taking lots of photos and only having a few good ones...hehehe....I would consider that rather normal. ;)

[boBQuincy]

Here's one I recently posted to the "WDW in the Rain" thread, it was *pouring* that night!

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/bus_0210.jpg

[vertigo235]

Do these count?

http://www.lnyc.org/disneypix/mk-ms1.jpg

http://www.lnyc.org/disneypix/fireworks1.jpg

http://www.lnyc.org/disneypix/fireworks2.jpg

[Carolc]

Of course! Very cool...Thanks for sharing... :thumbsup2

[KarenAylwood]

Here are a few from my recent trip. None were taken with a tripod as I didn't carry one around with me. For the Mexico pavillion shot I rested it on the railing there. The rest were all handheld.

Canon SD700, Main Street for MNSSHP:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/IMG_0101.jpg

Canon SD700, Space Mountain with the lights on during a ride breakdown:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/IMG_0646.jpg

Sony DSC-H5, One of my favorites inside Le Cellier:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/DSC01497.jpg

Canon SD700, Wishes from in front of the Crystal Palace- doesn't hold a candle to vertigo's pics, but the best I could do without a tripod and my little camera (didn't bring the big one that day).
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/IMG_0670.jpg

Canon SD700, Fantasmic:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/IMG_0560.jpg

Sony DSC H5, The Mexico pavillion at Epcot:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/DSC00983.jpg

Sony DSC H5, Fish at the AK:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/dgcrystal/DSC01214.jpg

[sk8ingmom]

Shot my sig photo with an old manual Nikon film SLR. Sat on the street, braced my elbows against my hips, camera on my knees and held my breath!

[kmadams]

I took this sitting on a ledge outside of Mission Space with the camera resting in my lap (it was my Canon point and shot digital). I took about 10 pictures in hopes one would come out fairly good.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/85098ms_small-med.jpg

[steery1]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j269/steery1/Florida2006373.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j269/steery1/Florida2006377.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j269/steery1/Florida2006376.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j269/steery1/Florida2006104.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j269/steery1/Florida200678.jpg

[wdwpluto]

DH buying a beer at Epcot last night
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d711b3127cce8d1935b87fc800000016108IaMXLlm0Z4

Survivor in concert at Epcot last night
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d711b3127cce8d19498c7fc200000016108IaMXLlm0Z4

Illuminations
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d711b3127cce8d194eccbe2900000016108IaMXLlm0Z4

All handheld, no tripod, exposures were around 1/2 sec.

[shyjade]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Shyjade/DisneyWorld023.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Shyjade/DisneyWorld166-1.jpg

[MariDisney]

Hi all :wave2: I have never posted on the photography board before, so I hope you don't mind me jumping in. I look at your photos all the time and just wish I had an iota of the talent you all do! I took a flashless digital photo (does that count) at the Pop last week, and I just wanted to share it. I look forward to seeing more of all of your photos!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/65479Pop_small.JPG

[Sleepy Dwarf]

Can I jump in here with a question? I'm going to WDW soon and want to get some good flashless shots of character dining interactions. Last time we went to Liberty Tree Tavern and I didn't use the flash, my son and the characters were brightly lit and the background was blacked out. I have the Dig Rebel XT - any suggestions on what settings?

Anyone care to share pictures of character dining in less than ideal lighting without a flash?

Hope it's okay that I ask a question in this thread but from the photos I've seen - you guys KNOW what you are doing.

Fabulous photos everyone - thanks for sharing!

[kat3668]

Took this one last night thought the moon looked especially SPOOKY!!!!
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3323/pa040045sv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Master Mason]

Can I jump in here with a question? I'm going to WDW soon and want to get some good flashless shots of character dining interactions. Last time we went to Liberty Tree Tavern and I didn't use the flash, my son and the characters were brightly lit and the background was blacked out. I have the Dig Rebel XT - any suggestions on what settings?

Anyone care to share pictures of character dining in less than ideal lighting without a flash?

Hope it's okay that I ask a question in this thread but from the photos I've seen - you guys KNOW what you are doing.

Fabulous photos everyone - thanks for sharing!

What lens were you using.... I would suggest the 50mm f1.8 and us Av priority,... raise the ISO to 800 or 1600 and open the lens most if not all the way up....

[jann1033]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/IMG_4718copy.jpg
folly beach pier, sc

[Adz1984]

See next post.

[Adz1984]

Heres a few of my first ever pics.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/adz1984/DSC00461.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/adz1984/DSC00462.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/adz1984/DSC00468.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/adz1984/DSC00470.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/adz1984/DSC00471.jpg

[makinorlando]

I took this photo last night leaving Sea World... the moon was amazingly beautiful. It was the perfect ending scene for an October - Halloweeny time at Sea World. Soon after this pic the clouds moved over the moon which made even "spookier"! I was waiting for a witch! Not too long after this we had one heck of a storm.



http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Sea%20World/SWMoon100806.jpg

[TwoOldPoohs]

Yay! DSL is working again! :banana:

I can't remember if I've posted these already :confused3
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/43419059.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/36588511.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/ilene/image/51128758.jpg

[Carolc]

Yay! DSL is working again! :banana:

I can't remember if I've posted these already :confused3
.
.
.

As always, phenominal pictures! I wish I was able to take such great low light photos.

Carol

[pxlbarrel]

TwoOldPoohs...

Magnificent. Can you tell us what settings your camera was on for these (especially the Fantasmic....what lens, what iso, what shutters speed...????) They're amazing.

[TwoOldPoohs]

TwoOldPoohs...

Magnificent. Can you tell us what settings your camera was on for these (especially the Fantasmic....what lens, what iso, what shutters speed...????) They're amazing.

Thank you, pxlbarrel. I'm glad you liked them!
Here's the exif info for the Fantasmic photo, as shown in IrfanView:


Make - Canon
Model - Canon EOS 20D
ExposureTime - 1/30 seconds
FNumber - 1.80
ISOSpeedRatings - 1600
DateTimeOriginal - 2004:10:25 23:45:47
DateTimeDigitized - 2004:10:25 23:45:47
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/30 seconds
ApertureValue - F 1.80
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 50 mm
ColorSpace - sRGB
ExposureMode - Auto
WhiteBalance - Auto
Self timer - Off
Quality - Normal
Flash mode - Not fired
Sequence mode - Continous
Focus mode - One-Shot
Image size - Large
Digital zoom - None
Contrast - Normal
Saturation - Normal
Sharpness - Normal
ISO Value - 32767 (other)
Metering mode - Evaluative
Focal length - 50 - 50 mm (1 mm)
Flash activity - Not fired
Subject Distance - 0
Image Type - Canon EOS 20D
Firmware Version - Firmware 1.0.2

The lens used was the Canon 50mm f/1.8.

I'm not sure why there are two ISO different ISO values. Does anyone know what this means?

[TwoOldPoohs]

As always, phenominal pictures! I wish I was able to take such great low light photos.

Carol

Thank you so much, Carol. That little 50mm f/1.8 lens is probably the best ~$80 I ever spent.

[Amy]

Here a couple I took yesterday with my Canon S3 IS:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i187/mamagrumpy/Statue1.jpg

And a close-up:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i187/mamagrumpy/Statue2.jpg

[handicap18]

Can I jump in here with a question? I'm going to WDW soon and want to get some good flashless shots of character dining interactions. Last time we went to Liberty Tree Tavern and I didn't use the flash, my son and the characters were brightly lit and the background was blacked out. I have the Dig Rebel XT - any suggestions on what settings?

Anyone care to share pictures of character dining in less than ideal lighting without a flash?

Hope it's okay that I ask a question in this thread but from the photos I've seen - you guys KNOW what you are doing.

Fabulous photos everyone - thanks for sharing!

I agree with Master Mason. If you have a digital SLR and you are interested in doing flashless/lowlight pictures then it is well worth spending the $70-120 (depending on if you use Canon or Nikon and where you purchase it) for a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. They are very sharp lenses and produce excellent lowlight pictures (though their ideal f/stop is between f/5.6 and f/11, but still are great at f/1.8). In the situation you are talking about, you might have to step back a few extra feet to get a wider view of your subject, but if you use Master Mason's suggestions on settings you should be pretty happy with the results.

Sigma also makes a farily inexpensive 28mm f/1.8 prime lens. It goes for about $250.

You really can't go wrong with the 50mm f/1.8 though. Very highly recommended for all dSLR users.

[matthew_hull]

Can I jump in here with a question? I'm going to WDW soon and want to get some good flashless shots of character dining interactions. Last time we went to Liberty Tree Tavern and I didn't use the flash, my son and the characters were brightly lit and the background was blacked out. I have the Dig Rebel XT - any suggestions on what settings?

Anyone care to share pictures of character dining in less than ideal lighting without a flash?



No. All of the photos taken without a flash at the Character Dinner ended up in the trash bin. Use the flash (unless it is prohibited). The "dark background" effect is indeed unfortunate, but it beats having a handful of unusable photos. The effect can be somewhat mitigated in post-processing afterwards. First, get the shot. If you see that you are consistently getting pictures with too much flash, you can dial down the flash in the menu of your Canon, or you can wrap some White tissue paper (or toilet paper) around the flash to subdue it a bit.

If you cannot use flash, then bump up the ISO setting to as high as you can tolerate given the inherant noise. Again, post-processing can mitigate the noise reasonably well. Use proper technique: firm footing, steady hand, etcetera. If you can rest the camera on an improvised tripod -- a handbag, a doorframe -- that will help. Be realistic, though. If you are as excited as your children (and why shouldn't you be?) technique goes out the window with all other rational thought. Moving children are going to be blurred -- only the prepared poses will be sharp.

My advice: use the flash.

-- Matthew

[pxlbarrel]

Is there not a setting on some of the cameras that is flash but it flashes the person in question without blacking out the background. On my CANON Rebel XT, it's the little person with the star symbol. (Don't know how else to describe it.) I tried the setting out at a local lantern festival last month and it seemed to work. I also tried it out in DL in August and it worked too.

I forgot the principle of how this works...but if your camera has one of these setttings, try it out.

[0bli0]

...On my CANON Rebel XT, it's the little person with the star symbol.

that's generally called 'night shot' or it's sometimes called 'slow shutter'. basically the image is exposed for the ambient light - not the flash. the flash illuminates the nearby subjects and the background is illuminated by the slower shutter speed.

here are a few more from DisneySea

http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l375.jpg

f2.2 - 189mm @ 1/160
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l372.jpg

handheld - sitting on my rear, elbows on knees - 1/3 second
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l363.jpg


aperture f1.4!
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l234.jpg

handheld - 2 seconds so blurry. the light swirls are the aquatopia cars spinning by
http://homepage.mac.com/imagetechphoto/disney/tokyodisneysea/l355.jpg

[Carolc]

that's generally called 'night shot' or it's sometimes called 'slow shutter'. basically the image is exposed for the ambient light - not the flash. the flash illuminates the nearby subjects and the background is illuminated by the slower shutter speed.

here are a few more from DisneySea


These are great... is that Fantasmic? Do you have a closer shot of the head of that beast?

Where were you when you took the f1.4 shot?

[0bli0]

i was inside the '20,000 leagues...' ride queueing area. that particular shot i was able to have quite a decent shutter speed due to the bright board behind it (and iso 800).

the show is called BraviSEAmo! it's a story about 'spirit of fire' and 'spirit of water'. i actually didn't take too many shots as i was far back (people queue for parades and shows here several hours early and i'd rather enjoy the park). so i don't really have a close up of its head. it's nowhere as enjoyable as Fantasmic :(

[handicap18]

No. All of the photos taken without a flash at the Character Dinner ended up in the trash bin. Use the flash (unless it is prohibited). The "dark background" effect is indeed unfortunate, but it beats having a handful of unusable photos. The effect can be somewhat mitigated in post-processing afterwards. First, get the shot. If you see that you are consistently getting pictures with too much flash, you can dial down the flash in the menu of your Canon, or you can wrap some White tissue paper (or toilet paper) around the flash to subdue it a bit.

If you cannot use flash, then bump up the ISO setting to as high as you can tolerate given the inherant noise. Again, post-processing can mitigate the noise reasonably well. Use proper technique: firm footing, steady hand, etcetera. If you can rest the camera on an improvised tripod -- a handbag, a doorframe -- that will help. Be realistic, though. If you are as excited as your children (and why shouldn't you be?) technique goes out the window with all other rational thought. Moving children are going to be blurred -- only the prepared poses will be sharp.

My advice: use the flash.

-- Matthew

Matthew, what kind of equipment are you using? (camera and if applicable lens)

[DragonSlyr]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/108685DDsilo-med.JPG

A bit backwards...dark foreground

[Renysmom]

I have an Olympus E-300 and am womdering if anyone has any suggestions on how to practice night shots prior to our Xmas trip? We live in a rural area so there isn't alot of places near that i can go shoot.

Thanks

Kelly

[jann1033]

ooopps just realized i forgot to straighten this one so just pretend it's the waves rocking the pier :teeth: http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/IMG_4702copy.jpg

[pxlbarrel]

I have an Olympus E-300 and am womdering if anyone has any suggestions on how to practice night shots prior to our Xmas trip? We live in a rural area so there isn't alot of places near that i can go shoot.

Thanks

Kelly

You could practise taking photos of your home illuminated only by porch light. If you put up your Christmas tree before you leave, take photos of it in the dark...all lit up. It'll look gorgeous. Have a candlelit dinner and take photos by candlelight. Maybe take a photo of sunset or sunrise.

[Michele]

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/moodymom44/DisneyWorld426.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/moodymom44/DisneyWorld424.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/moodymom44/DisneyWorld430.jpg

[SplshMtn99]

Taken with our very first digital camera way back in Dec 2000. Olympus D450. just 1.3 megapixels....but it gave nice night time shots for back then. ;) HANDHELD. They didn't look too bad until you put them next to today's camera. :rotfl2: We are now on our 3rd digital in 7 yrs.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l284/SplshMtn99/2000-12-06.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l284/SplshMtn99/2000-12-06MSEP.jpg

[bazzanoid]

Downtown Disney:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010331.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010329.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010321.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010319.jpg


Don't ask me to remember which country this is in at Epcot's World Showcase :teeth:http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010668.jpg

[handicap18]

Don't ask me to remember which country this is in at Epcot's World Showcase :teeth:http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/P1010668.jpg

This is in Mexico. That is the background of the San Angel Inn resturaunt.
Nice shot!

[Digital]

From "It's a Small World". It's the only shot that came out decent from that ride... and I had that song stuck in my head for the rest of the day :rolleyes1
http://www.jamespmurphy.com/gallery/photos/1326.jpg

I have a few others, but I'm still sorting the 818 I took. So glad I took my laptop on the trip with me.

[midge3426]

POFQ Swimming Pool at 1:00 am.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/midge3426/SerpentPoolNight06.jpg

[midge3426]

Tarzan Rocks show at the Animal Kingdom

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/midge3426/TarzanRocksMonkeyA.jpg