Fotographing Fantillusion

[NIK]

I've seen some brilliant pics of this parade and since I've arranged my visit at a time when [hopefully] Fantillusion will still be on I 'm wondering how best to photograph the parade

I've two cameras, one SLR and one Digital. Neither of them have anything I can adjust for exposure time or anything exotic like that, they are just basic point and shoot. What's the best thing to do? Should I use the flash or not? Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[masmiles]

Don't use the flash! With the flash on, you'll see "the trick" and you loose the atmosphere!
IMO, the best way is:
1) To use a high ISO level (800 or so). On the digital maybe you can fix this, on the SLR you should buy some ISO 800 film (Fuji has very good films). I've tried 1600 ISO but you get too much noise.

2) Fix the speed manually, if you let long exposure, you will get only some light scratches. 1/60 is ok

3) Try to open the shutter at the max (f2 ideally). Don't know wich camera/lens you have. The best is to have very good lens (a f2 or so) with stabilizer (but it's very expensive). You can use also a tripod, but remember point number 2.

Bye!

 

[SandraVB79]

For some reason, I was never able to get good pictures of Fantillusion, with neither of my cameras.
Last time I went, I didn't even bother to take my camera out of its bag.

 

[Cyrano]

I've always been disappointed myself with result, but with troops in tow could not cope with the addition of a tripod.

Have you tried the Photography board here as they might also be able to offer some advice

 

[NIK]

Thanks for those tips though. I'll give them a try anyway. You never know I might just get lucky!

 

[Happy Tappy]

The key to taking a good picture of light against the dark is to keep a very steady hand. The slightest shake will result it a blurred picture. The closer you are to the subject the better. Do not use your zoom function as it multiplies any shake that you have. Obviously a tripod might not be practical so try and find ledge or something that you could rest your camera on. If you do have any adjustable settings make sure the shutter is set to the maximum length and that your white balance is set to a daylight setting.