 Charles K. Tufuor |
How to improve on night shots and distant shots I have a Nikon D300 and need help in how to get good shots at night with or without a flash. My second question is: how do you get a good shot when shooting at a distant of say 3 meters or more. I usually get unsharp and smaller subjects when shot from a distant.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Narrow down what you're talking about. Night scenic shots, night shots with movement, night shots that are over exposed with flash, night shots that only show what was lit with the flash and the background is completely black? 3 meters isn't far. A good quality lens and longer focal length for sharper and bigger images is a start.
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Charles K. Tufuor |
Thanks for the feedback and seeking clarification. Regarding the night shots, I wanted to know how you could take a still subject that will appear clear. I see much difference when I take shots at day and at night. The day time shots are always clearer than the night shots. For the distant shots, I probably understated the minimum distance (3 meters), but for the sake of this scenario, let's take may be 10 meters. If you say a good quality lens, what do you imply? I am using an 18-200mm Nikon lens. Also, what is a longer focal length? Is it f/5.6 and values below that? Thank you.
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Randy A. Myers |
Let's start with the basics. The 18-200 on the lens is the range of your focal length for this lens. The f-numbers are your f stops and refer to the size of the opening the light comes through on the lens. You will have to use a TRIPOD or some type of support to steady the camera for night shots. The shutter speed is too slow at night for hand holding. The rule for handholding a lens is the shutter speed must be equal to or faster than 1 over the focal length you are using for that shot. If you zoom all the way out to 200 mm, which is actually 300 mm on a crop sensor camera like you are using, then you need a minimum shutter speed of 1/300 sec. Make sure you have not turned the focus to manual on your daylight shots. That may be why they are not sharp. I would suggest taking some basic photography courses or at least buying a basic starter self help book. Once you understand the fundamentals, your images will improve.
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Lynn R. Powers |
Charles From the questions that you have asked recently I would recommend that you take a basic photography course from BP. Tomorrow I am attending a seminar by Jim in Seattle. Why? Because it will give me insight on how to take better pictures. My problem may be my mindset. When I get the new Adobe CS5 I will need to take courses on it to learn how to use it to my advantage and increase my post processing skills. Most new endeavors require a minimum of basic schooling and learning. Continuing education never stops. I would like to recommend not only BP's books but Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure also.
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Charles K. Tufuor |
Thanks Randy and Lynn. I am already enrolled in one BP course "Mastering Nikon D300" by Tony Sweet. The questions that I asked were to clarify some things for me.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
I agree with what everyone has said and would like reiterate what Randy mentioned about using a tripod. It is essential for night & many other types of photography. I dont go anywhere without a tripod including the 8 mile hikes to get to a cool waterfall or scenic view to get a shot :) Tony is a great photographer though I am guessing his course deals mostly with the settings and options of using the D300. I dont know how much he touches on the basics of exposure but knowing proper exposure is the basis of all that is photography. I read Bryans book (which I recommend & is how I learned of Better Photo) and also have taken several classes here. Jim Zuckerman teaches a great course on Exposure. It will take all the mystery of knowing how to capture an image they way you want to which is how we create art with our photos. For me learning photography has been a long and fun journey. I will often take a fundamentals class like exposure or creative shooting type of class along with a Photoshop class because as I improve my technique, I also need to improve my editing abilities as well. This has worked well for me and if you have the time to invest in some of these classes, you will see rapid improvements. my .02, Carlton
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
sounds like you're having trouble with slow shutter speeds. That's the nature of daylight, more light. So you can use a faster shutter speed. As well as just being brightly lit. Since you have a nikon lens, then you probably have a good quality lens. Meaning the optical quality is high, clear and sharp, like having good eyesight. What I mean by longer focal length is the same as looking at something with your eye versus looking at it through a telescope. It brings it in closer.
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Charles K. Tufuor |
Thanks Carlton and Gregory for your pieces of suggestions. It will be of great help. I need to gear up for more courses later after my current course.
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