Motion Blur Shot On A Footbridge

[Bryan Lao]

I think this photo looks nice, but it lacks a wow factor. What do you guys think?



EXIF data:
ISO: Lo 1
30 seconds
f/29

[gturner]

You need to get the static detail in focus - the McDonalds sign, road bollards etc.

[Bryan Lao]

How do I do that? My aperture was small enough so (I think) all the detail should be included in the focus. I used a tripod too so it would be blurred.

Thanks. i'm sorry, I am new to this. )

[RichardTaylor]

It looks like camera movement to me.
If you are using and IS(VR) lens is it turned off.
Your shooting position is not stable.
It is either the bridge/tripod or both.

Are you using a remote release.
How well does your tripod perform when it is on a stable surface in still conditions.

[Bryan Lao]

My VR is turned on. It is the best feature EVER. HAHA.

I think my tripod is pretty stable. I made sure that it doesn't move. I am not sure about the bridge though. Maybe it wobbles but I don't feel it.

And no, I don't have a remote. You think it would be nice to get on? How much is one that is compatible with a Nikon D5000?

Thanks.

[RichardTaylor]

What does the instruction book for the lens say? With some lenses VR has to be turned off when the camera is tripod mounted.

If you don't have a remote then you can use the self timer.

I shoot with Canon gear and remotes are not very much, especially third party ones (EBay).

[S_Sanyal]

With some lenses VR has to be turned off when the camera is tripod mounted.

This is something to look out for , please dont use VR on a tripod on a nikon lens, as it causes the compensatory movement to appear as "shake", blurring details and edges.

I think the picture lacks a specific focus or point of interest, though the light trails are very interesting, they form a very obvious pattern in your shot... Look at this image, shot by someone on this forum, who is a great guide and advisor to me(hopefully, he wont mind my posting of his link..) Night_0022 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The reference picture above is nothing special without the shapes formed by light trails, but the output is a very breathtaking form created just by the trails...

The nondescript parking lot to the right does not add anything to the picture, so I'd crop that out but I'd suggest keeping the trail of the car that seems to be exiting from the road into the lot, which breaks the monotony of the lines..

30s exposure is good, but seems in this case, has overexposed the lit signs especially the Mc Donald's sign, which is a dominant feature in the image.Try less exposure time, it'll still give trails.

you need to get the static detail in focus - the McDonalds sign, road bollards etc.

Couldnt agree more, the cement dividers to the bottom left third look very interesting, but some of the farther objects would need more thought to keep in frame, and to get them to the right exposure level: neither dark nor overexposed. For that you may want to try different combinations of aperture and shutter speed, like a see saw, increasing one while decreasing the other...

[Bryan Lao]

Thank you guys for all the comments. You were really helpful.

Thank you for the VR insight, and the timer shot comment too.

[Laurenbiz]

I always use the self-timer option if I don't want any blur when using a tripod. Even when you press the shutter and release your finger, that can cause movement, even if the camera is on a tripod!

[midnightpro]

Motion blurr is fun and what i usually do is shoot the shot from as many angles as i can. If you could go back to the scene try shooting from down below by the concrete barriers. They can be in your shot and if you turn your camera on a 45 degree angle to the right you will have a great shot. Try buying a shutter release cable from ebay. this is usually the best price.