Footstep in the Sand

[Beerhuis]

I decided to take the photo after I saw two horses that went for a run on the beach at Strandfontein on the West Coast of South Africa.

This was my first real attempt to night photos.

I was quite surprised at the result, but would like to know if there is something I need to change or lookout for!

Regards

From Strandfontein

Camera Model Name Canon EOS 450D
Tv(Shutter Speed) 30Sec.
Av(Aperture Value) F4.5
Metering Modes Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 200
Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Focal Length 36.0 mm
Flash Off
White Balance Daylight

[lputman]

I am sad to say that without your explanation, I would not have known that's what this picture was about.

[dbose]

I am very new to photography and am reading tons of books.

Recently I was reading a book by Bryan Peterson and he had a photo of footsteps in the sand. It was marvellous. He took it at the following settings - worth a try.

The aperture is what he calls 'who cares' - F/8 to F/11 (where depth of field is not of a concern as both the footsteps and sand are at the same focal length). Since your key subject are the foot steps, take a meter reading off the (or near) the foot steps and the focal length was 50mm (focusing on the foot steps). The white balance was cloudy, camera set on a tripod.

That way the under exposure problem would go away and the footsteps would get more emphasis.

Try it again (if no horses) try walking and shoot your footsteps on sand and see how you go.

[Beerhuis]

Originally Posted by lputman

I am sad to say that without your explanation, I would not have known that's what this picture was about.

Thanks Lori for the feedback. I will keep you comment in mind to ensure the object of photo is clear.

[Beerhuis]

Originally Posted by dbose

I am very new to photography and am reading tons of books.

Recently I was reading a book by Bryan Peterson and he had a photo of footsteps in the sand. It was marvellous. He took it at the following settings - worth a try.

The aperture is what he calls 'who cares' - F/8 to F/11 (where depth of field is not of a concern as both the footsteps and sand are at the same focal length). Since your key subject are the foot steps, take a meter reading off the (or near) the foot steps and the focal length was 50mm (focusing on the foot steps). The white balance was cloudy, camera set on a tripod.

That way the under exposure problem would go away and the footsteps would get more emphasis.

Try it again (if no horses) try walking and shoot your footsteps on sand and see how you go.

Thanks dbose.

I enjoy playing around and will definitely try it out.

Regards