Toronto Skyline - Night

[Shevchenko135]

I am BRAND NEW to the dslr scene. I just bought an EOS Rebel T2i. I took this picture from the penthouse of my 34 story condo building, which is about 7km away from the city centre of which i took the picture of. The picture is alright but im very eager to get better and better because I can really get some money shots with the views I have. Any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!


IMG_30161 by Sheva111, on Flickr

Canon EOS REBEL T2i
f/5.6
Exposure 5sec.
ISO-100
FL 109mm
No Flash
No Tripod (But I did use a ledge, please let me know how much of a difference a tripod would have really made I am very curous)

[bigrobo89]

Hi,

First off you've got the makings of a very good shot, and if that's the view you have to work with then I'm sure you'll be producing some stunning images in no time!

The first thing that struck me is that the top of the tower is touching the top of the frame. You might want to give it just a bit more room in future, particularly as there isn't too much detail in the water.

The lights have been captured nicely, try experimenting with different shutter speeds, say upwards of 10secs and see what effect it has on the overall brightness of the image.

If you were resting on a ledge, and you weren't touching the camera then in theory it should make very little difference as it is effectively doing the same job.

Looking forward to seeing future efforts.

Paul

[Shevchenko135]

Thank you paul!

The greatest thing is that the view opportunities are endless. The penthouse floor has a balcony which wraps around on either side which means I can literally take a snap in any direction with a view for miles!

In regards to your comment about the tower touching the top, I noticed that right away. Due to only having a ledge to work with and not being as prepared as I should have been, I had nothing to set underneath so the lens would stand higher. I will definitely take try again!

The thing is paul, I tried experimenting with different shutter speeds last night. I thought I would start off at 15s because I read that longer exposure is better for night shots. Though when I tried, the images came out blurry! Is it possile that in the amount of time my finger left the camera, it moved ever so slightly and compromised the photo? I took a couple at 15, then went down to 10, then 8, then gave 5 a shot. 5 Turned out great so i decided to call it quits for the night so Im not exactly sure what it is that caused me the problems.

[bigrobo89]

With the blurriness; that could be caused by wind on the ledge ever so slightly affecting the camera, not much you can do about that without securing it. You can set the camera to use a count down timer so it won't detect the shutter press, which will reduce any impact of taking the shot.

If you want to set up a sturdier rig on the ledge, or any other surface for that matter, consider looking at a gorillapod. I've got one and they will cling to virtually anything. I had one set up on the top of the empire state building and it coped with windy conditions very well.
Here's a link for you to have a look:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigrobo...n/photostream/

Paul

[scootermcq]

Great start.... what you need to do is invite me & my camera to your balcony & we will play together.... here is one from the DVP....

[Shevchenko135]

Is that from Riverdale park on broadview? I used to live right there. Did you use a tripod?

[Shevchenko135]

Went at it again tonight and got a great shot!


IMG_3049 by Sheva111, on Flickr

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Shevchenko135

Is that from Riverdale park on broadview? I used to live right there. Did you use a tripod?

Yes and yes......

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Shevchenko135

Went at it again tonight and got a great shot!

That looks alot better

[SwissJon]

I particularly like the reflections in the second one.. It breaks up the dark mass of water.

I have to admit that Scotts shot has the edge for me.. The detail in the buildings is fantastic, and they provide foreground interest.. In your shot, the tower looks kinda lonely.. I think I might have, if the opportunity was there, moved to a spot where the tower was just to the right of the office blocks so you could keep the forground whilst making the tower a feature.

I also wonder whether a much tighter portrait shot of the tower and an office block or two in the foreground wouldn't have captured it even better.. Especially if you could include some water to add reflections.

However these viewpoints are not always exactly where you want them.. you shot's a good un.

Oh.. And a tripod would do exactly the same job as a ledge, except you're far more flexible as to where you can point your lens, and at what angle.