Posted by Derek Sedillo on August 29, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I was also out there trying to capture the eclipse from the GoGs.
This was a challenge on multiple levels, especially when trying to place a landscape element in the shot. My 'old' 10D was definitely a bit noisy for the job. Here are a few:
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 29, 2007 at 4:25 PM
Interesting shots Derek. I also attempted to take some photos of the eclipse. I can sympathize that getting a landscape element in the frame was difficult, even though I only attemped to shoot from the deck of my apartment. Most of my shots turned out to be even noisier with my Nikon D100. You did a nice job on these.
This gives me some ideas for next time. Basically a background shot needs to be taken with better light, possibly pre-dawn morning light. Then add the moon(s) in. This of course is more like digital art and some may prefer not to blend in this way.
The other more expensive option, or maybe not if you already own the gear, would be to use a 5D + 24L/35L 1.4 @ ISO 1600 for less than ~30 seconds. There will still be noise. But this has been done very successfully by Daniel Bayer. See: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3799192
Now just add the moon. Of course I like what Daniel has achieved more even without the moon in this frame. He effectively used the full moon's light to illuminate the scene. No blending required.
Discussion
4 repliesThis was a challenge on multiple levels, especially when trying to place a landscape element in the shot. My 'old' 10D was definitely a bit noisy for the job. Here are a few:
The first two are with Pikes Peak to the right (although almost too dark to make out).
http://derek.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p948199904-5.jpg
This one was a blend, hence the star trails:
http://derek.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p930470408-5.jpg
http://derek.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p786817659-5.jpg
- Derek
I shot until my Battery died, Then came inside and deleted all but these few.
http://crittergetter.vtchome.net/PhotoAlbums/album_1188298009/index.html
It looks like a very 'creative' blend may be necessary to show landscape at night. Sean B. did a nice job of this over on the PNW forum:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=21337&b=vf15&st=0&la=2598&ph=8&sid=6467&u=6467
This gives me some ideas for next time. Basically a background shot needs to be taken with better light, possibly pre-dawn morning light. Then add the moon(s) in. This of course is more like digital art and some may prefer not to blend in this way.
The other more expensive option, or maybe not if you already own the gear, would be to use a 5D + 24L/35L 1.4 @ ISO 1600 for less than ~30 seconds. There will still be noise. But this has been done very successfully by Daniel Bayer. See:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3799192
Now just add the moon. Of course I like what Daniel has achieved more even without the moon in this frame. He effectively used the full moon's light to illuminate the scene. No blending required.
- Derek