Eastwards from Westminster Bridge

[Llywelyn]

From Cityscape

____________________________________________
Camera: Canon EOS 500D
F-stop: f/10.0
Exposure time: 30 sec
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 step
Focal Length: 18 mm
Flash: No Flash
____________________________________________
Hi - I am relatively new to photography and this is my first post on these forums.

Any general comments would be greatly appreciated but my main concern is with the "smooth" overall feel of the shot: I would have liked to have attained greater sharpness with the stationary elements in the photo - the embankment and the bridge in particular. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and I used a remote shutter switch to minimise camera shake.

Many thanks, Llywelyn

[plangereis]

Hi Llywelyn, and welcome to DPS. I love the exposure and colours in this photo. I looked at the large version on Picassa, and I see what you mean about the clarity. This is unusual as you used a tripod. I have done long exposures as well, and have not had this problem when using a tripod, especially when considering stationary elements. Were you set up on a bridge? I only ask as any traffic could have created slight vibrations. What about wind? If that might be the problem then you may want to weigh down your tripod/ tripod feet with something. The water came out really smooth looking, though. I do not know what else to suggest. I thought it might also be related to the f-stop, but that looks good according to your exif info. The last thing it could be is a focus problem. Did you focus manually, or use auto-focus? I would suggest trying this again to see if the same problem occurs. Good luck.