Photo Board Monthly Assignment, April, 2010: April Showers and Shutter Speed

[Pea-n-Me]

Hi Friends,

I thought I might try to start these assignments a little before the end of the month so people could plan ahead.

This month's assignment was created by our resident NH nature photography guru, dcg013. Thanks, Don. :thumbsup2 (I always welcome suggestions for assignments so please keep them coming!)

April Showers. Anything having to do with water.

Shutter Speed. Water and shutter speeds together are a good combination. But you could do shutter speed any way you'd like if you don't have any water handy. Try shooting at least two photos with different shutter speeds.

Extra kudos if you get both together or include the Easter and Passover holidays as well. :cutie: Remember, pictures should be NEW as the whole purpose of this is to get out shooting. All skill levels and camera types are welcome.

In case you're just starting out, here's a couple of links to using shutter speed. (Would really love seeing pictures from people who've never tried it before!)

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Camera-Shutter-Speeds-explained-4794

http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/shutter-speed-creative.html

Have fun!!

Last month's Assignment (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2410398)

[JoeDif]

Good assignment!! Can't wait to get started

[dcg0317]

Here are 2 shots of my front windshield with rain drops, first one shot with canon 10-22mm lens, 2nd with canon 50mm lens.

Canon 10-22mm @ 22mm, f/4.5, ISO 200, 1/200, AWB, metering-partial
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Windshield-03-31-01cr/825836172_PFscb-X2.jpg

Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/4.5, ISO 100, 1/125, AWB, metering-partial
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Windshield-03-31-04cr/825837616_t9amW-X2.jpg

[Twigs]

Those are really cool shots above!

I have been mostly a lurker here on these boards for quite a while now and have been very hesitant about posting pics as I am not nearly as good as most of you are here. I have learned so much from these boards (bought 2 lenses with the info I learned here) and I always mean to take part in these assignments, so I am making an effort to try. This is my first attempt, I took this the other day of a leak in my gutter. I cropped the picture as the background was large and a blurry gray. I used my Nikon 70-300VR with ISO 1600, f5.6, 1/1600.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0193a.JPG

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Coloring Easter eggs this morning:thumbsup2 Used my tripod since I wanted a low ISO. 105mm, f/9, 1/5 sec, ISO 200.

http://fourweeksphotography.smugmug.com/Family/Easter-2010/Easter-2010-JPG-2-of-8/826570407_6qqcJ-L.jpg

[Pea-n-Me]

Those are really cool shots above!

I have been mostly a lurker here on these boards for quite a while now and have been very hesitant about posting pics as I am not nearly as good as most of you are here. I have learned so much from these boards (bought 2 lenses with the info I learned here) and I always mean to take part in these assignments, so I am making an effort to try. This is my first attempt, I took this the other day of a leak in my gutter. I cropped the picture as the background was large and a blurry gray. I used my Nikon 70-300VR with ISO 1600, f5.6, 1/1600.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/DSC_0193a.JPG
Awesome, Twigs. :thumbsup2

[Gianna'sPapa]

Evening April Showers on Easter. The first was earlier witha 9.88 second exposure and the second 20.03 second. Both at ISO 100 f8.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4492158526_6a9680f370_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4491519287_db19edf95b_b.jpg

[funkychunkymonkey]

ill try it, if you promise you'll tell me what I did wrong. I just got a new camrea and Im sooooooo confused. F stop still confuses me and so does shutter speed. im off to read the links and try it out. are shutter speed and ISO the same?

[JoeDif]

ill try it, if you promise you'll tell me what I did wrong. I just got a new camrea and Im sooooooo confused. F stop still confuses me and so does shutter speed. im off to read the links and try it out. are shutter speed and ISO the same?

These boards are definitely a great learning resource. You will find lots of help here.

Shutter speed controls the duration of time light is allowed to hit the sensor, 1 second, 1/2 sec, 1/4 sec, etc.

ISO controls the light sensitivity of the sensor (I may be wording this wrong). At ISO 200 the sensor would be more light sensitive than ISO 100

Another good learning resource is the book, "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

[funkychunkymonkey]

I know i need to practice LOL! I also am buying a book all about my particular camera for help.

[Pooh_Girl]

I know i need to practice LOL! I also am buying a book all about my particular camera for help.

Just keep this in mind when thinking about ISO (as stolen from Understanding Exposure.) Think of your ISO number as the number of worker bees collecting light. At ISO 800, you have eight times as many bees collecting light as you do at ISO 100, and so they can do the same amount of work in 1/8th of the time. HOWEVER, with that many worker bees in the same space, you will get more noise and see the "bees" more. Ok.... so the last part after the "HOWEVER" was mine. :rolleyes1

[dcg0317]

Cocheco River downtown Dover, NH
All shot with Canon 40d with Canon 10-22mm lens, hand held, elbows braced on wall.
1/50s, f/8, ISO 100 @ 10mm
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Cocheco-River-03-31-07cr/825835686_UcrTC-X2.jpg

1/15s, f/14, ISO 100 @ 10mm
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Cocheco-River-03-31-08cr/826851446_HfHSK-X2.jpg

1/10s, f/22, ISO 100 @ 10mm
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Cocheco-River-03-31-12cr/826852993_nWCgn-X2.jpg

1/100s, f/8, ISO 100 @ 10mm
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Dover-NH/Cocheco-River-03-31-13cr/826853736_9DvCp-X2.jpg

[Gdad]

1/8 Second
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/835434651_Yb9Mo-X2.jpg

2 Seconds
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/835433266_xYAVQ-X2.jpg

5 Seconds
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/835434770_nT5dx-X2.jpg

Composite of all three
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/835434814_GMPqx-X2.jpg

[dumbo_buddy]

hi everyone! this is my first attempt at submitting an assignment. i just got my dSLR about three weeks ago and am currently taking a 6 session 'how to use your dSLR camera' class (2 sessions in so far). i've gotten great info on here and am slowly but surely letting it sink in (emphasis on slowly).

i took this assignment to the bronx zoo this weekend and took these at the congo exhibit. please please please feel free to give me pointers on what i can improve on.

i shot this in aperture priority with a shutter speed of 1/200 sec, f-number 5.6, focal length 55mm, and ISO-200 (i have the ISO on auto):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4517761432_5c2ae637a7.jpg

and now this one i shot on shutter priority with a shutter speed of 1/5 sec., f-number 22, focal length 55mm, and ISO-100:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4517761862_e513f5d167.jpg

there you go! my first try :) critiquing is welcome - why did the ISO change? does the focal length matter (it was the same, but isn't that just where i focused it?). in the first picture, if i'm not looking to get that "dreamy water effect" should i have switched modes to make it look better? i'm not quite ready to go to total manual mode and choose both my shutter and aperture. but i'm working on it :)

thank you for looking!

[mom2rtk]

hi everyone! this is my first attempt at submitting an assignment. i just got my dSLR about three weeks ago and am currently taking a 6 session 'how to use your dSLR camera' class (2 sessions in so far). i've gotten great info on here and am slowly but surely letting it sink in (emphasis on slowly).

i took this assignment to the bronx zoo this weekend and took these at the congo exhibit. please please please feel free to give me pointers on what i can improve on.

i shot this in aperture priority with a shutter speed of 1/200 sec, f-number 5.6, focal length 55mm, and ISO-200 (i have the ISO on auto):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4517761432_5c2ae637a7.jpg

and now this one i shot on shutter priority with a shutter speed of 1/5 sec., f-number 22, focal length 55mm, and ISO-100:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4517761862_e513f5d167.jpg

there you go! my first try :) critiquing is welcome - why did the ISO change? does the focal length matter (it was the same, but isn't that just where i focused it?). in the first picture, if i'm not looking to get that "dreamy water effect" should i have switched modes to make it look better? i'm not quite ready to go to total manual mode and choose both my shutter and aperture. but i'm working on it :)

thank you for looking!

I am by no means an expert and still learning myself.

The camera chose the lowest ISO available with a slow shutter speed in bright sunlight. It was trying to compensate for all that light and having the shutter open so long.

[dumbo_buddy]

I am by no means an expert and still learning myself.

The camera chose the lowest ISO available with a slow shutter speed in bright sunlight. It was trying to compensate for all that light and having the shutter open so long.

that makes sense to me! thanks :):hug:

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Waterfall at Grizzly River Run, California Adventure
13 sec f/11 ISO 200

http://fourweeksphotography.smugmug.com/Disney/Disneyland/Disneyland-April-5-2010/Disneyland-April-2010-65-of-67/832248472_Db4QS-L.jpg

[Pea-n-Me]

Herring (not quite running yet)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010154.jpg

1/5 sec f/13

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010128.jpg

1/13 sec f/10

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010157.jpg

How to get those herring?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010203.jpg

This series is from a herring run

[ColleenG]

Just finally found this month's assignment. I'll have to squeeze in some time to go down to the beach and see what I can do with the waves!

[Twigs]

These are all really great pictures here.

[ColleenG]

I made it down to the beach this morning before the dark clouds moved in. I wanted to try to get some slow shutter speed shots, but 1) I forgot my tripod and 2) it was too bright. But here are a few that I was happy with.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/April_2010_086.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/April_2010_093.jpg

The waves were pretty small, but I did manage to catch this one mid break.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/April_2010_103.jpg

[funkychunkymonkey]

Ok first off let me state, Im not crazy, Im just a teacher. Please remember this when looking at the pictures, thanks!
So for this assigment I played with water. I dont know how to change my shutter speed so I skipped that part. For me it was a HUGE deal to even get myself confortable to take my brand new, very expensive, camera in the same room as water. I have to admit, I was very nervious that it may get wet.
So on to the pictures:
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/travlingmonkey/DSC00278.jpg
My very first ever water shot with this camera
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/travlingmonkey/DSC00276.jpg
I was going for the feeling of never ending bubles
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/travlingmonkey/DSC00296.jpg
A afterthough shot playing with running water. I dont like how it turned out but I dont know why. What could I do to make this one better?

WOW!! I did it, I actully completed an assigment.:scared1:

[Pea-n-Me]

Congratulations, fcm! If the pics were a little bigger we could give you advice on your water shot. I don't think you can see it too well.

[Pea-n-Me]

Come on people, one more week for this assignment!

[dcg0317]

Here one from the other day, it started to rain when I was out shooting birds and saw this small pond with the drops of water falling from the trees.
I had planned on doing more this week because I'm on vacation but got caught up photographing birds.
funkychunkymonkey from what i can see on your shots is the WB seems off, maybe it's the size you posted if you can post them bigger that would help.
Linda I like your shots, especially the seagull one.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/843364200_MMc7N-X2.jpg

[mom2rtk]

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/843364200_MMc7N-X2.jpg

Am I just Disney-crazed..... or is there a hidden Mickey there??????

Beautiful shot!

[mabas9395]

Am I just Disney-crazed..... or is there a hidden Mickey there??????

Yes. And yes.

[Pea-n-Me]

Linda I like your shots, especially the seagull one.
Thanks, Don. This one was inspired by you and has nothing to do with water other than I was standing just a few yards down from where I took the seagull shot. :lmao: I wish I could've gotten in a little closer but maybe next time. Lovely puddle shot, btw.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010196-3-1.jpg

[mom2rtk]

Yes. And yes.


But hey.... I wear it proudly! :rotfl:

[ColleenG]

Am I just Disney-crazed..... or is there a hidden Mickey there??????

Beautiful shot!

That's definately a Mickey. I see them around every now and then too in non Disney related things. You would think I would have a better eye for them when we are at the World.

[Gdad]

1.3 Second Exposure-

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4544424375_0fd6615b00_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/capturelifeinaction/4544424375/)

[dcg0317]

Great shot Jeff

[dcg0317]

Thanks, Don. This one was inspired by you and has nothing to do with water other than I was standing just a few yards down from where I took the seagull shot. :lmao: I wish I could've gotten in a little closer but maybe next time. Lovely puddle shot, btw.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/P1010196-3-1.jpg

Thanks Linda, if you want to get closer you might want one of these, I have one and also use a small 1 man blind.
Ameristep Ghillie 3D Poncho
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/images/D/2.png

[KyCruisinSusan]

Come on people, one more week for this assignment!

April and rain. I'm waiting for the rain to get here. I'll try some shots of the rain falling tomarrow.

[ColleenG]

Another shot from the beach.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/April_2010_094.jpg

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks Linda, if you want to get closer you might want one of these, I have one and also use a small 1 man blind.
Ameristep Ghillie 3D Poncho
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/images/D/2.png
OMG, Don. :rotfl2: This just cracked me up. I didn't know such a thing existed. (But my DS12 knew what it was - "It's a Gilly" he yelled over my shoulder. I have no idea how he knew this, lol.)

Geez, between this and the photography vest, I'll be quite the fashionable photographer in my neck of the woods. :lmao:

[mom2rtk]

Thanks Linda, if you want to get closer you might want one of these, I have one and also use a small 1 man blind.
Ameristep Ghillie 3D Poncho
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/images/D/2.png




Man.... I am SO wearing this next time I go to Downtown Disney!!!

Anyone think it will be a problem??????? :lmao:

[Twigs]

Man.... I am SO wearing this next time I go to Downtown Disney!!!

Anyone think it will be a problem??????? :lmao:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
I am glad I was not drinking anything when I read this!!

[dcg0317]

OMG, Don. :rotfl2: This just cracked me up. I didn't know such a thing existed. (But my DS12 knew what it was - "It's a Gilly" he yelled over my shoulder. I have no idea how he knew this, lol.)

Geez, between this and the photography vest, I'll be quite the fashionable photographer in my neck of the woods. :lmao:

Well wearing that suit the other day help me get this shot, but I was sitting there for almost 2 hours!!
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Birds/Osprey-04-21-02ccr/845887174_i2Tj7-X2.jpg

[mom2rtk]

Well wearing that suit the other day help me get this shot, but I was sitting there for almost 2 hours!!
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Birds/Osprey-04-21-02ccr/845887174_i2Tj7-X2.jpg

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :worship:

[AndrewWG]

Well wearing that suit the other day help me get this shot, but I was sitting there for almost 2 hours!!


You sat somewhere for two hours in that suit? I am surprised the osprey didn't try to build a nest on you! :) That suit may be a bit much for me to use, but it sure looks cool!

[KyCruisinSusan]

april showers and shutter speed:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/kycruisecrazy40047/17dccd08.jpg

[dcg0317]

You sat somewhere for two hours in that suit? I am surprised the osprey didn't try to build a nest on you! :) That suit may be a bit much for me to use, but it sure looks cool!

You have to remember that when I wear thar suit I'm out in the middle of nowhere, I never see anyone.
The poncho is made of mesh material with the camo sew on it, so it's pretty airy.

[dcg0317]

How about some water vapor, or known as fog, which is water.
From yesterday morning heading to the tidal river.
I spot metered off the sky, lock exposure and then recomposed.
Canon 300mm f/4 lens @ 6.3, ISO 400, 1/250 sec
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Bellamy-River-Wildlife/Foggy-Sunrise-04-24-01cr/846408858_MkaZB-X2.jpg

Canon 300mm @ f/6.3, ISO 400, 1/100 SEC, spot meter, metered off the tops of the trees.
http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Photos/Bellamy-River-Wildlife/Foggy-Sunrise-04-24-02cr/846409187_cUKE5-X2.jpg

[Twigs]

I know this assignment is technically over as it is May 1st, but I am sneaking this one in.



http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/medium/740.JPG

[Pea-n-Me]

It's ok to keep posting even if the month is over!

I'll be a little late with the May assignment but I'll try to get it up asap!

[juligrl]

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p4/3jgirls/157.jpg
Fountains in front of the Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, PA