Night time and low light photograph in WDW

[CEK40]

Was wondering if anyone can give some tips and information on taking photos during nighttime and in low light situations at WDW such as in the parks at night with all the building lights, rides at night, parades, fireworks, etc. I have seen several photgraphs on this board where the moving object is blurred and everything else is in focus. I have been trying to get that right but just haven't acomplished that one yet.

Some of the information that would be interesting to know is if you used a film or digital camera, a tripod or not, manual or auto focus, type of lense, settings, flash or not, etc. Or just some little thing that you have found to work well for you that you would be willing to share. Oh and another tripod question I have is do you use a full size or a mini type?

There are some wonderful photo opportunities at WDW at night and I am sure there are others that would love to hear what you may have done to get that shot.

We will be at WDW late October and attend MNSSHP too. So I want to be able to get some night time shots myself.

 

[heathrow42]

There is a photography board here on the Dis and the folks there can probably give you some excellent advice: http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

DH uses a full size tripod, a Digital SLR, I think he uses manual focus, for all his fireworks photos and nighttime panaromics. Flash is only good for things that are very close - like people. It's not good for night time fireworks. I always feel bad for people with point and shoot cameras who have the flash turned on during fireworks.

His tripod is an ultralight one, but it extends fully - he likes it because he can get up above the crowd. He has a remote/cable that attaches to the camera. You can set the camera up and then just push the button on the remote to take the pictures. They are long exposures so you can't take them rapidly. The tripod was expensive ($300+ I think) but well worth the investment.. it's really sturdy and has traveled all over the world, not just Disney World!

Try posting over on the photography board - They also have this thread with tips: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1450061

Goodluck,
--Heather

 

[GabbyMom]

if you don't want to cary around a tripod you might consider a gorillapod

http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/

 

[bob100]

if you don't want to cary around a tripod you might consider a gorillapod

the gorillapod (and generic types) work, I got mine at wallyworld for less than $15

 

[boBQuincy]

One of the techniques that works well for night photos is High Dynamic Range (HDR). A typical night photos includes deep shadows and light sources, no sensor or film can capture such a wide range. With HDR we take three (or more) images at different exposures, the software merges them into a full range image. Of course a tripod is required to get the images to align properly.

 

[RBennett]

One of the techniques that works well for night photos is High Dynamic Range (HDR). A typical night photos includes deep shadows and light sources, no sensor or film can capture such a wide range. With HDR we take three (or more) images at different exposures, the software merges them into a full range image. Of course a tripod is required to get the images to align properly.

I have a question about HDR: like you said, one needs a tripod to align the images properly. But you don't actually change the position of the camera, right? It's the exact same picture, just at different exposures?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What kind of camera are you using?

 

[RBennett]

What kind of camera are you using?

I don't know about the OP, but I use a Pentak K100D.

 

[boBQuincy]

I have a question about HDR: like you said, one needs a tripod to align the images properly. But you don't actually change the position of the camera, right? It's the exact same picture, just at different exposures?

Correct, and I have taken some HDRs without a tripod but have used some sort of support to keep the camera from moving between exposures. Some HDR software can correct for very slight movement but it is still better to have none.
for a really good example of nighttime HDR see Gdad's photo of the steamship at Liberty Square.

 

[handicap18]

Was wondering if anyone can give some tips and information on taking photos during nighttime and in low light situations at WDW such as in the parks at night with all the building lights, rides at night, parades, fireworks, etc. I have seen several photgraphs on this board where the moving object is blurred and everything else is in focus. I have been trying to get that right but just haven't acomplished that one yet.

Some of the information that would be interesting to know is if you used a film or digital camera, a tripod or not, manual or auto focus, type of lense, settings, flash or not, etc. Or just some little thing that you have found to work well for you that you would be willing to share. Oh and another tripod question I have is do you use a full size or a mini type?

There are some wonderful photo opportunities at WDW at night and I am sure there are others that would love to hear what you may have done to get that shot.

We will be at WDW late October and attend MNSSHP too. So I want to be able to get some night time shots myself.

What kind of camera are you using?

Yep, we need to know what kind of camera you will be using. It does make a difference on what kind of settings and recommendations we give regarding this subject.

 

[CEK40]

Right now I only have Canon Elan film camera. I love film, but I am in the process of researching Canon DSLR. Have been looking at the 40D or the XSI. They tell me it's time to take the plunge. But I use my film camera all the time, and it will always be my first love in photography, but your never to old to learn something new.

I am not sure if obtaing a good night/low light shot with a film SLR is different with a DSLR.

 

[handicap18]

Right now I only have Canon Elan film camera. I love film, but I am in the process of researching Canon DSLR. Have been looking at the 40D or the XSI. They tell me it's time to take the plunge. But I use my film camera all the time, and it will always be my first love in photography, but your never to old to learn something new.

I am not sure if obtaing a good night/low light shot with a film SLR is different with a DSLR.

Its not really different, but I find it MUCH easier with digital because you can change your film speed from one shot to the next. The high ISO performance on dSLR's, especially the newer ones are excellent. Some even go as high as ISO3200 with very good performance, some can go up to 6400, but with a lot more noise (aka grain).

Whether your using digital or film, the 50mm f/1.8 lens is a very good performer in low light. With film for the night parades or indoor rides you'll want fast film. No less than ISO800, but 1600 is better.

For Wishes, your standard zoom lens is fine. With film probably around 50mm or so is good from the area on Main Street near Casey's Corner. Obviously that will change based on where you set up.

Be it digital or film you WILL need a tripod. Low speed film 100, 125 or 200. Manual setting in bulb mode for shutter speed so you can control the length. I've used between 2 and 10 seconds. f/stop of f/8 - f/11 or so is best for getting a nice sharp image.

Once you get your focus set on the Castle, you can switch to manual focus so the camera wont refocus before each shot.

Also use a remote shutter release (cable or wireless) to prevent camera shake. If you don't have a shutter release then use the self timer set to 2 seconds to allow the camera to stop moving after you press the shutter.

 

[Groucho]

If you are used to a Canon film SLR, then a digital SLR would be an easy move. If you've hesistant, you can probably find an older one, like an XT, lightly used for pretty cheaply. If/when you upgrade, you can resell it and probably lose little money in the deal.

The others have said it, but it really boils down to...
For a moving subject, you need a fast lens and high ISO. (Chances are you'll get a clearer photo with a DSLR at ISO 1600 than film that speed.)
For a static subject, you need a tripod and either a remote shutter release or use a two-second timer, so you don't shake it when pressing the shutter release.