Night Lights

[Lane123]

I am headed out to a small carnival tonight. I would like to get a few shots of all of the lights on the midway. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to what settings I might try? I shoot in manual mode but really struggle with night lights. Thanks!

[Patti Edens]

Probably too late...sorry, but maybe for next time.

Zoom blurs are a lot of fun. I shot this one at 1/6th second. I prefer around 1 or even 2 seconds. Just zoom the lens during the exposure - in or out makes a difference. Try both. And you can zoom a bit, stop and zoom some more.



I was going for the starburst on the setting sun and a silhouette on the ride for this one. Settings at f22 for the starburst and 1/160th to stop the slow moving ride and -1 Exposure Comp to get the silhouette.



This is just a long exposure to get all that motion and a very wide angle to get more than one ride. 5 seconds at f13 and ISO 100.

[Lane123]

Beautiful Images Patti! Thank you so much for the tips! The carnival is going on all week so I will give it a try.

[Patti Edens]

Thanks Sharon. Post up what you get. I look forward to seeing your shots.

Oh, don't forget your tripod. That is a must for this type of shooting.

Another tip - If they have a carousel, buy a ticket, get on it with your tripod and cam. Stand with your back to the center of the carousel looking out. Use about a 1/8 sec or so shutter speed and focus on a horse (or other critter) that is not moving if they have one. Take a shot when there are some nice lights going by. You will have the horse nicely in focus and sharp and the background will be a streak of lights. Take a bunch of shots since depending on the background, they will all look different. You can also use your flash to freeze the horse. Change up the shutterspeed and see what that does.

[Lane123]

Wow thanks Patti! I will definitely give it a try. I am in frustration mode this morning with a new lens purchase. I didn't even get far enough to try light pictures last night. I just posted a thread to see if anyone else has had the same problem with focus on the tamron. Thank you for the advice. I will use one of my other lenses and try your suggestions.

[Marhowie]

Some great examples and info, thanx!

[earnhart]

Patti, I love that picture of Landry's! Never tried Zoom Blurs but i will now..