Third attempt - cabin at night

[atcdan]

This is one of the very first shots I took.

A friend gave me some tips for night photos. I was going to try some sky shots but it was cloudy. I turned to go back to the cabin and saw this.

This is the best of the 20 or so shots that I took.

What would help? And if you have some tips on how to adjust these type of shots in PS I would be happy with those as well. (or is that something for another forum?)

Thanks again, and I am looking forward to the time when I will be able to be on the "critique" side of this forum. (so much to learn, but soooo fun!)

Dan-


Canon S3 IS, f3.5 15 seconds

[KagoGrl]

It's a neat shot. But I have to admit that it doesn't do much for me. I don't think I like that the entire cabin is pitch black except for the bright bright lights. Just doesn't capture me. I wonder what it would have been like had you stood further back from the cabin and shot while there was still a little light in the sky (you know, right before it goes completely pitch black). I wonder if then you'd be able to see the shape of the cabin as well as having some nice glow from the lights - without having them washed out.

Make sense? Keep trying though, night shots are tricky! I've never attempted myself but someday I'm sure I will (especially since I now have a good tripod).

[clockdoc]

Back in the day when we would shoot these type of shots on film (both negative and transparency) the general rule of thumb was to create a double exposure on one sheet of film. The first shot was taken about 20 minutes after the sun had set, exposing for the sky. The second shot was at the same aperture setting but was done after the structure was in total darkness, except for the lights.
Today's digital cameras could probably capture the same result in one shot or more using Photoshop or similar software. Taking it a step farther, you could also use your flash to do a little painting with light in those areas that did not receive sufficient house light illumination. I am glad you gave this type of shot a try and hope that you learned from the experience.

[atcdan]

Thanks KagoGirl and Lee.

I showed this to the owner (a coworker who let me use the cabin for my twin daughters' birthdays) and he and others raved about it. Which is cool but I needed some perspective so thanks. I will try the suggestions to get more of the cabin if I get another chance up there.