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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> First Night Photo shoot
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11/15/2009 10:06:19 PM · #1
I recently purchased my first camera (Nikon D40 with kit lens [Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6]) and a tripod.

This picture is really my first night exposure and am looking for any and all advice/critique. Sadly, I\'ve never taken a photo class and have learned everything I know from photo magazines in the past few months. I\'ve always wanted to take pictures but for some reason I decided to wait 27 years to get a camera :) Anyway, I know it can be daunting giving advice to a complete noob, so I understand if you\'re reticent, but I\'d really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

The picture was captured as RAW and only modified in photoshop when importing as such. I reduced the temperature as it seems this lens (or camera?) seems to take very warm lengthy exposures. Other than that it is \'as shot\'.

As I'm a new member and can't post links, I paid the $5 and it's the only image in my portfolio here on the site, called: Pier_Midnight_2.jpg

f/3.5
30s exposure
ISO 200

Thanks again :)
11/15/2009 10:12:08 PM · #2
11/15/2009 10:20:30 PM · #3
Originally posted by MogusMaximus:

f/3.5
30s exposure
ISO 200

Thanks again :)
I love how 30s smooths out the waves in the water. I like that "feature" in night shots! It looks great for your first upload.

My camera's not much different than yours is so if you have questions on where to find different settings I can try to help. You'll probably have to go to some of the "pros" with composition questions! Can't wait to see your challenge entries.
11/15/2009 10:22:55 PM · #4
Great shot!.... i'd suggest stopping down the apperture to ensure more detail in focus (i.e. f/11 ish...)
11/15/2009 10:23:28 PM · #5
I think it's quiet nice. It appears a bit soft, probably because due to aperture of f/3.5 that you've used. I think you will get better results if you use f/13.0, or f/16.0.

Also, was it windy at all when you took the shot? 30 seconds is a long time and if there's any wind, even a little bit your image will get blurry. I would consider bumping up the ISO to 400, and if you get some noise, you can use something like Neat Image to get rid of the noise. By bumping up the ISO you will be able to knock down the exposure time and hopefully produce a sharper image.
11/15/2009 10:32:56 PM · #6
Originally posted by Venom:

I love how 30s smooths out the waves in the water. I like that "feature" in night shots! It looks great for your first upload.

My camera's not much different than yours is so if you have questions on where to find different settings I can try to help. You'll probably have to go to some of the "pros" with composition questions! Can't wait to see your challenge entries.


Thanks for the kind words. I was very surprised to see that wave 'feature' as I've never done this before :)

Originally posted by treyvus:

I think it's quiet nice. It appears a bit soft, probably because due to aperture of f/3.5 that you've used. I think you will get better results if you use f/13.0, or f/16.0.

Also, was it windy at all when you took the shot? 30 seconds is a long time and if there's any wind, even a little bit your image will get blurry. I would consider bumping up the ISO to 400, and if you get some noise, you can use something like Neat Image to get rid of the noise. By bumping up the ISO you will be able to knock down the exposure time and hopefully produce a sharper image.


Yes it was a bit windy out there, good point. I'll try it at ISO 400 next time, I know that ISO 800 on this D40 creates a huge amount of noise but I'll try 400. I'll also try to decrease the aperture for a better depth-of-field like you and Shutter-for-Hire suggest. Thanks the the advice

11/15/2009 10:35:09 PM · #7
it would have been nice if the start of the pier was right in the top corner and not a bit in as it is now. That would emphasize the leading lines aspect of the composition.
11/15/2009 10:56:13 PM · #8
Originally posted by Tez:

it would have been nice if the start of the pier was right in the top corner and not a bit in as it is now. That would emphasize the leading lines aspect of the composition.


Thanks, I just looked up what 'leading lines' meant and I'll definitely use that in my photos from now on. It's interesting how the more I look at the photos I take, the more I find wrong with them.
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