After my first week with a DSLR, this is what I have. I took these on the latest trip. Nikon D90 18mm-55mm1.


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What did you use to produce the lighting effects in image 2.
Nice shots overall.

Thanks. That was just a simple LED handheld flashlight.

Great captures so far
You're going to have lots of fun.
DSLR rock.
Always use a hood and be very careful not to tip the tripod; it gets expensive.

Posted by OH_ZOG_NO What did you use to produce the lighting effects in image 2. Nice shots overall.

The Juge is being modest. I was next to him when he took that, and I immediately remarked on it. Everyone was a little chaotic at that moment, and someone had walked through his exposure without any preplanning.

Posted by blackhawk ...be very careful not to tip the tripod; it gets expensive.

He learned that from me the year before.

Anyway, I can't offer much constructive criticism before even looking at my own pictures. It's clear you've got a good grasp of using this camera already.

In some of the shots, the fireworks are sharp and in focus while the concrete columns are affected by motion blur. I think it looks neat, but a wireless remote would avoid this (or help you control it manually if you wanted to duplicate the effect).

According to this article, my remote would have been compatible with your camera. Here are instructions on how to turn on the setting:

Select remote operation mode by depressing and holding the small button (this button has a multiple file folder icon printed on it) located directly in front of the AF button, located on the top, right-hand side of the camera. Change selections by rotating the main command dial located on the top, right-hand back side of the camera body. You can view this selection within the LCD located on the top, right-hand side of the camera body.

The remotes are available for a decent price (under 10 000 won?) at the camera section in Namdaemun Market, and likely anywhere else selling Nikon camera gear.

He really has got the idea down.
Just needs to play with the cam and try different settings.
Changing the meter mode can be useful.
Read the manual and play with the cam until you know the cam inside out.
Use this site to learn more about the lense and it's sweet f/stop spot and more: http://www.imaging...om/lenses/reviews/

Read through this whole site to better understand how cmos, etc sensors and processing work. This is the cat's ass +1 guide for low light shooting.
http://www.clarkvi...icles/nightscapes/

The better you understand how the cam and lens function and their capabilities, the better you can make use of them. Maximize it's strengths and abilities for the shoot at hand. I prefer going full manual for low light shots when feasible. It teaches you how to better use the cam as well.

On #9 the shutter speed was too slow; dial up the ISO setting and the shutter speed.
Fast lens are always the best for low light shooting.
Use a laser pointer to establish an AF lock where you want it, 535nm works best.

You can use the auto timer instead of a remote shutter release to avoid release shake. A bit more awkward but it works.

The learning curve seems steep at first, but it's fascinating, additive and rewarding. Never stop learning; your technique and images will continue to improve as you do so

Thanks for the stellar insights. I am excited to learn and no tip will be left unexplored.

Unfortunately, for these photos, I had no remote, which Steed pointed out is very important but even worse; because I'm still waiting for my full size tripod I had to rely on a mini. I will post here again soon once I find more features (and more locations)1.

Those are some great shots especially for just starting out with a dslr. Other than a few focus issues you're getting the hang of it. Before I had a remote release I would just use the self timer. It allowed me to do some light painting.