What did I do wrong?

[japicha]

Ok DPS family, I really could do with some input. I took this picture last week at the reflecting pool by the US Capitol. I used a remote comtrol on 2 second timer. Camera was set on night mode and everything seemed fine until looked at the result. I have not done any kind of retouching.
I could do with some serious critique regarding my technique
Alan

EXIF:
Photo information
Jan 21, 2010
640×429 pixels – 33KB
Filename: DSC_0277.JPG
Camera: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D3000
ISO: 100
Exposure: 5.0 sec
Aperture: 4.5
Focal Length: 30mm
Flash Used: Yes
Latitude: n/a
Longitude: n/a
less info

[Sterling]

First of all, are you a ghost?

Can you include your EXIF data? It looks like your shutter was opened while you were behind the camera and then your image was captured as you stood still in front of the camera. Did you have it on the regular remote setting rather than the timer remote?

[oldwolf]

Yep. EXIF data would help us. It looks like you weren't in the picture long enough. For instance if the picture was taken for 3 secs it seems like you weren't in the picture for 3 seconds but maybe 1 or 2?

[japicha]

Hi Old Wolf, I have added the photo info. I set the remote for 2 second release. I was standing in front of the camera before I triggered the remote.Now that you mention it, I think I may have moved away as soon as the flash fired, instead of waiting a few more seconds.

[japicha]

Sterling! I thought I had turned ghoul myself! LOL. Anyway, I have included the EXIF data and hopefully you will help me "exorcise" the picture. Like Oldwolf suggests, I may not have stayed in front of the camera long enough for the camera to capture everything.
Alan

[ressalg]

This almost has a "happy mistake" feel to it. It might not be what you wanted, but it's still a cool effect regardless.

I'd have to agree with others... looks like you might have stepped out of the shot too soon.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by japicha

Now that you mention it, I think I may have moved away as soon as the flash fired, instead of waiting a few more seconds.

That's why your picture looks like that. Your shutter speed was 5 seconds. You just had to stay in front of the camera longer.

It might also help if you set your flash for rear curtain sync as well. What would happen in an instance like that is you'd block the lights behind you then the flash goes off right before the shutter closes. This will effectively expose you while blocking the lights behind because you'll stand there until the flash goes off.

[japicha]

Thanks oldwolf, I have made notes and will head back downtown to try the shot again.Being a photography newbie, Im still struggling with remembering which camera settings to apply under different shooting conditions. Thanks so much for taking time to look at my post. I appreciate it,
Alan

[Pixelmadness]

If he wasn't in the picture long enough then why isn't there any blur from his movement?

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Pixelmadness

If he wasn't in the picture long enough then why isn't there any blur from his movement?

Because he moved fast enough not to cause motion blur. The flash lit him up and only last a split second. It's not a continuous light source.

It's the same way you can put someone out in the middle of a dark field, open your shutter for 5-10 sec, run out there and paint them with a flashlight. You'll see the person in the field but not you with the flashlight as long as you don't point the flashlight at yourself or stay in one place too long.