Night Lights

[JyX]

Hello!
This is my first post here.
I've had my camera for a few months now.. and still have a LOT to learn.
I took these shots a few days ago.
Looking forward to any tips/advices or criticisms.

[clockdoc]

Hi JyX and welcome to the group. Can you share with us how you created the star patterns? Was a star filter used or is this the result of light diffraction caused by the aperture blades? While the star pattern is nice, the subject/scene is a bit dark and the stars lose their context. There needs to be a bit more exposure for the ambient light.

[JyX]

Thank you for your comment!
No special filter was used, I just try to set my aperture to the minimum, and the slowest shutter speed I can get without the picture shaking. (Don't have a tripod yet)
What's better for taking brighter pictures?
Changing the exposure setting or getting a slower shutter speed?

[clockdoc]

Since the star pattern is created by the pinpoint light sources acting on the aperture blades, I would suggest slowing the shutter speed in lieu of changing the aperture. This will be difficult without a tripod but you may be able to use other solid stationary platforms and your self-timer to take the photo. Try shooting 20-30 minutes after sundown when there is still a little light in the sky. As a learning experience, try shooting the same scene but varying the aperture from wide open to closed down. Just be sure you understand what the approriate shutter speed should be for each successive shot. That way you can see what effect the aperture opening has on the star pattern. As a general rule, the brighter the light and the more "pointed" the light source, the better your chances are for getting the star.

[JyX]

Wow thank you so much for your tip!
I love taking shots in the night but I can never get them right!
I guess my best bet would be to shoot a little before the sun goes completely down.