Light Trails - a first attempt

[BigMansZetec]

Been meaning to have a go at this for a while, and finally got round to it tonight. Thought I would just stand on the decking and have a go over the gate (saved having to brave the cold). Anyway, reasonably happy for a first attempt, but focusing was the main problem.
I started by using autofocus, but as there was nothing to focus on, the shutter wouldn't get going until a car was in view (too late). So I tried my best it manual focus, but as you can see, not great.
Also the location probably wasn't great with buildings and trees in the way.

Any tips would be great, and I will have another go soon.





Cheers,
Will

[leightonjames]

location is key, i suggest a motorway bridge. Below is my attempt



And keep working on your focusing! :P

[andynoquantum]

I think thats a good first effort!

Might want to try a tripod or somewhere sturdy that you can rest the camera on

This was my first go at it, you can see where I pressed the shutter and then moved away - next time I'll just stick it on timer and not have the strap around my neck

[BigMansZetec]

I was using a tripod!

I think the short stretch of road didn't help, like you guys say, a motorway bridge seems the way to go. Get more time then.

I think the tree was also a factor, the camera perhaps not sure what to focus on when on auto-focus?

[andynoquantum]

Oops, sorry!

On mine, I'm pretty sure I stuck it in shutter priority and whacked everything up for 30 seconds. Dont know what camera you're using, is there a similar option?

[Bungleaio]

I've had a couple of goes at this a while ago. Both of these were shot on the same bridge but on opposite sides and there is about two days between. I didn't use a tripod for either but the camera was resting on the railings

[flat-planedCrank]

For night shots i'd use timer mode (or a cable release if you have one) and mirror-lockup

Also, if your camera / lens has image stabilisation check whether you need to disable it when its mounted on a tripod.



For the focusing I tend to focus manually, or if the AF is partially working - let it focus initially but then disable the AF when you actually take the picture.

[BigMansZetec]

andynoquantum said:

Oops, sorry!

On mine, I'm pretty sure I stuck it in shutter priority and whacked everything up for 30 seconds. Dont know what camera you're using, is there a similar option?

Its a Canon 400D, so yeah it was on shutter priority, about 20 seconds I think.

Sounds like using the timer (hadn't thought of that) might be a good idea, haven't got a cable release, but might look into it if it makes a difference.

[mattsayle]

As is said above, location is key. If you got rid of the tree and house you would be cooking on gas.

[BigMansZetec]

mattsayle said:

As is said above, location is key. If you got rid of the tree and house you would be cooking on gas.

Seems to be good advice, was purely lazyness that stopped me from leaving the house.

[mattsayle]

BigMansZetec said:

mattsayle said:

As is said above, location is key. If you got rid of the tree and house you would be cooking on gas.

Seems to be good advice, was purely lazyness that stopped me from leaving the house.

Lazyness is a right bugger

[hawkaye]

some nice shots there!

Here was my first attempt at it.



Slightly different angle but I like it. F4, ISO100, 30 sec, Canon EF17-40mm f/4L, Canon 40D, tripod with cable release.

[slartibartfast]

location is defo key.
heres one of my attempts shot across water.
my advise is set the ISO low (100), Fstop high i.e. 22 or above, also if you have it on the 400D set shutter lockup too (1.3 seconds)as you can get a small amount of wobble when the mirror rotates, and of course a tripod and either timer or remote shutter release.

[slartibartfast]

Lincoln bypass

[Greendubber]

My first attempt, shot with a 400D on a tripod with remote release..

[andynoquantum]

I've seen a very cool version of light trails on Flickr. Find a car park, or if you're lucky enough to have a decent sized drive then use that. Set the camera up on a tripod on say 10 seconds timer about 15/20 feet away, jump in the car, lights on and drive slowly on full lock, round and round and round and round and round...

[Olf]

My brother took this the other day. I was quite impressed:

[BigMansZetec]

Olf said:

My brother took this the other day. I was quite impressed:

Wow, that is brilliant. Would have been great without the background, but with that as well, it is stunning.

[Holst]

That looks really good Olf

I like taking thse sorts of long exposure pics.
I only have a compact Casio camera so its difficult to get it to work at long exposures.

Here are a few I took when I was in Hiroshima

[JimNotJon]

Couple From Me, Like Paul (Slarti) Im A Yella Belly Too!