Time Square Hustle

[Trankonia]

This image is meant to be out of focus to add tension in order to convey the hustle and bustle of Times Square NY. The question I have in using a variable Zoom technique with a slow shutter speed is avoiding the blown out sections. Perhaps the blown out white lights is ok in this context. Do you think they are?

Nikon D5000, Shutter 1.6 Sec., F22, ISO 400, Focal Length Variable (I believe I changed from 55 to 18 during the time the shutter was opened)

[tlpphoto]

Trankonia,
I like your idea and I think your image does convey a sense of hustle. I like the way the white street line in the road rhymes the lines of light your created by the long-exposure zoom technique. I also applied how well you were able to keep the camera steady for this shot -- especially since you were in the middle of the road.

As you pointed out, I do find the blown out white areas distracting. One suggestion you might try to redo this shot when the sky has a little more light to it. Not the middle of the day, but just closer to sunrise or sunset. That will allow a little more balance between the ambient light on the road/cars/buildings and the light from the neon signs.

Again, I like the concept and the execution for your vision. My 2 cents.
Tim

[SwissJon]

Personally no.. I don't like the blown out whites.. You can fix that by using a screw in ND filter if your camera won't go above f/22

This is an incredibly difficult technique you're trying.. I like your attempt, might have been better without cars with writing on the sides, it shows where you have had uneven zoom.

I think the mistake you've made is the length of your exposure. What I found is that between 1/2 and 1 second is about right. That should also help with yor blown out whites..

Use a remote shutter release, fix the camera using a tripod (I use one of those gorilla grips) and the live view to compose the shot.. You need 4 hands and 8 eyes for this.. Release the shutter at the moment you begin the zoom, and try to time your zoom so that you finish just as the shutter closes again, unless you have a solid subject matter you want to focus on in shot.. I haven't figured out yet if it's best to zoom in or zoom out yet. Probably zoom in, but I guess it's like the difference between front and rear curtain flash, each has their place.

Like this picture though, keep 'em comin!

[Sterling]

I quite like your shot. The white areas might haver been a bit better had they not been blown out but they don't really bother me. I think the writing on the vehicles is perfect - just clear enough to read and put the shot in context. I definitely get the feeling of a bustling Times Square.

[Trankonia]

Thanks all for the feedback. It sounds like the shutter speed was the primary issue. Unfortunately, I do not live in NY so getting a re-take may be awhile. I will be visiting again latter this spring and will try another attempt. This was quickly done using a monopod since I did not take a tripod back with me. I like the idea of trying to get it perhaps at dusk as well.

As far as the writing, I thought it was essential so that there was a clear context of where the shot was made. I do have another one that is similar concept that turned out a bit better but the lights not as bright.

Hope it is OK to post this variance:

[Sterling]

Does the sign on that van say New York Schlock Exchange?

[SwissJon]

Prefer the first. It's clearer an being in the middle of the road and shooting in the direction of traffic flow makes more sense in a photo that is inherently moving.

The second is clearer though becaue the lighting was better, And I think perhaps you used a shorter zoom range which helped.

The yellow cab is indicative of NY, even as a Brit I'd realise that, so you can be a little bit subtle with the contextualisation.

how about doing the same thing in your home town? Maybe not so much traffic and so many lights, but it'd certainly be different

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by Sterling

Does the sign on that van say New York Schlock Exchange?

I think it says New York Schmuck Exchange? A good place to go and exchange your schmuck!

[Trankonia]

Originally Posted by Sterling

Does the sign on that van say New York Schlock Exchange?

LOL...now that is funny!...and when you look at it with the streched-out lettering...I have to agree.