Wow, that Curacao picture is gorgeous!
rocketralph said:
Canadiancruiser2
What type of camera did you use and what setting did you have it on?
Hey Ralph,
I have a Canon Powershot S40 that I use on a small extendable tripod to get those shots. It looks kind of funny since the tripod drawfs the camera when it's mounted on there, but it does the trick for me since it's easy to carry around. What are you using to take your pictures? I like the pictures in your signature photo.
Here's some of the EXIF data for the nighttime shot of the smoke stack:
FNumber - 5.00
ShutterSpeedValue - 2 seconds
ApertureValue - F 5.02
Self timer - 20/10 sec
ISO Value - 50
White Balance - Auto
So I think it was Manual Mode, F5.0, 2 second exposure at ISO 50. I kind of experiment with different settings since I don't know exactly what I'm doing. I set the F setting to somewhere between 2.8 and F8 which is about 5, and then take various exposure shots from anywhere from 1 second and up. At home, I can check them on the computer to see which one looks the best.
What is it? The smaller F setting makes for a bigger aperture to let more light in and the bigger F opens the shutter a smaller amount? I used to remember it, but it's been a while since I read the manual.

I think also changing the F stop affects whether you get the "starburst" effects from lights.
Here's a fun pic of one of the "Rasta" locals on
Castaway Cay: