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UER Mobile > UE Photo Critiques > First light trails (Viewed 3029 times)

post by Helix

First light trails
< on 11/25/2014 10:09 AM >

So tonight my plans went awry and I was left with the option to try to shoot some light trails off the road. Now aside from the lack of actual CAR LIGHTS, anyone got some tips for me?

Haha there really were like no cars. These were after like half an hour and me fingers started to turn blue. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

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post by insulinguy

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 1 on 11/25/2014 9:36 PM >

mix in a tripod and a shoot at f8 or f11 to get things better in focus - this kind of photography can be a lot of fun though. keep it up!

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post by relik

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 2 on 11/25/2014 11:47 PM >

Be careful not to obstruct the lens with objects while shooting (#1 & #2.)

[last edit 11/25/2014 11:48 PM by relik - edited 1 times]

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post by Speed

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 3 on 11/26/2014 2:58 AM >

What Insulinguy and Relix said.
I'll also add… work on choosing interesting scenes. curves and turns are your friend.

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post by Helix

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 4 on 11/26/2014 3:44 AM >

Posted by insulinguy
mix in a tripod and a shoot at f8 or f11 to get things better in focus - this kind of photography can be a lot of fun though. keep it up!

I had a tripod but I was set on f5.8 so it was less sharp. And I couldn't find a spot for my cam to auto focus so that was on manual focus but in the darkness my focus skills are low. Thanks for your opinion and advice.

Posted by relik
Be careful not to obstruct the lens with objects while shooting (#1 & #2.)

I honestly didn't notice the rail obstrction until you pointed that out, thanks.

I'll also add… work on choosing interesting scenes. curves and turns are your friend.

There aren't many good curves around my town, I've checked, but you are correct.

Thanks for all your advice and opinions guys, I appreciate it.

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post by insulinguy

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 5 on 11/26/2014 2:18 PM >

where are you in oklahoma??

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post by Helix

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 6 on 11/26/2014 9:30 PM >

Posted by insulinguy
where are you in oklahoma??

northwest in the armpit. Right east of where the panhandle starts

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post by turtl

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 7 on 12/2/2014 4:52 PM >

ND filters are your best bet for light trails. Even a 2 or 3 stop filter, one that can push you exposure to around 10 seconds at F/16 ISO 100 is a big help. You could go all the way up to a ten stop, known as a "big stopper" but they're pretty pricy. Ideal settings would be ISO 100 F/8 and the longest possible exposure. Just like shooting landscapes and star trails, make sure you have some foreground interest, buildings, structures, signs, trees, ect. This may be just be personal preference, but I always shoot the widest lens I can for light trails, as longer lenses tend to "compress" the scene. Also with a wide lens, focus almost becomes irrelevant, unless you're shooting something within 10 feet you can set the lens to infinity and be fine.

Great shots! You definitely have the concept down!

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post by Labatt_ice

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 8 on 12/3/2014 12:58 AM >

If you find your roads are too boring, you could always experiment with creating your own light trails. You could photograph something more interesting and use a flashlight around the scene.

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post by Aran

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 9 on 12/11/2014 3:44 AM >

I've seen people post sweet light trails using sparklers in a storm sewer. Try looking underground, you could probably find some pretty good places for the sites you are looking for.

Just make sure there is no flammable gas, like methane (though that's more common in sewage pipes, or so I've heard.)

Talk to a drainer if you want definite advice. I think I've seen some pics like what I was describing posted by Abby Normal, though I not sure. She'd know how, I bet.

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post by Helix

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 10 on 3/4/2015 3:32 PM >

Much appreciated guys, I like that sparkler idea, if I can find some I'll give that a shot. Got the perfect drain right by my house. Thanks guys you all gave me insight into my flaws

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post by Herm

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 11 on 3/4/2015 5:42 PM >

Multi colored glow sticks could also work in drains; no risk of explosions. Its on my list of things to try.

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post by Helix

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 12 on 3/4/2015 10:37 PM >

Posted by Herm
Multi colored glow sticks could also work in drains; no risk of explosions. Its on my list of things to try.

Great idea. I figured I'd have to wait a few months but screw it with glow sticks I'll try to go tonight. Getting cabin fever.

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post by relik

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 13 on 3/5/2015 3:22 AM >

Roman candles are fun underground.

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post by Helix

Re: First light trails
<Reply # 14 on 3/5/2015 9:53 AM >

Posted by relik
Roman candles are fun underground.

Yeah man my cuz just mentioned those after I sad sparklers, we got a drain n tomorrow shall get supplies and make it happen. You've all been outstanding with the ideas. Respect

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