Morning Rush

[mike.II]

Hi, this is my first post to this forum (actually this is my first attempt at taking the camera into full manual mode). I like this picture alot, but would like to know how to get a little more clarity across the field. Even in the raw file, the signs are pretty blurry and the picture is grainy. Is there a way to take the same type of picture yet sharpen it up so that the fixed objects aren't so grainy?

Btw, I did notice that I wasn't exactly on center or level, I rotated horizon 1.15 degrees in PS to try to level the bridge.

No filter
EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Exposure: 15
Aperture: f/36.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Thank you for your time and assistance!

[navcom]

Hi Mike. Your blurriness is due to using a very small aperture. When you get smaller than around f/13 or so, diffraction causes the image to lose it's sharpness. The smaller the aperture, the worse the effect. At f/36, it will be very noticeable.

If you are trying to slow down your shutter speed when there is still too much light outside to use f/11 or so, I would suggest using a neutral density filter to block out some of the light.

Hope that helps!

[mike.II]

Originally Posted by navcom

Hi Mike. Your blurriness is due to using a very small aperture. When you get smaller than around f/13 or so, diffraction causes the image to lose it's sharpness. The smaller the aperture, the worse the effect. At f/36, it will be very noticeable.

If you are trying to slow down your shutter speed when there is still too much light outside to use f/11 or so, I would suggest using a neutral density filter to block out some of the light.

Hope that helps!

Thank you very much. I didn't know that, but it makes perfect sense. I'll head back to my spot with my filters!.

[mikedugganphotography]

With the photo at this size I am not pulling much of the blur or noise from it. I have to agree with the small aperture thou. I've had the best luck with f16 or larger. As long as you can go back to the spot it is worth taking a group of test shots to see what works best with your camera and lens.

[mike.II]

Originally Posted by mikedugganphotography

With the photo at this size I am not pulling much of the blur or noise from it. I have to agree with the small aperture thou. I've had the best luck with f16 or larger. As long as you can go back to the spot it is worth taking a group of test shots to see what works best with your camera and lens.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to go back to my perch and allow myself more than a few minutes!
--Mike Davis

[radityopradipto]

Yeah, as Navcom said above, the sharpness fell due to the diffraction. I've tried to compare F/16 and F/22 before and the difference is quite obvious to me. My suggestion, try using F/13 at max and focus 1/3 of the frames. Use wider angle also will help to increase the depth of field with the same aperture
Cheers

[denja]

You have had some wonderful and insightful commentary on this image. The thing that I would like to comment on is the use of the 6 pt. Star Filter. I am not usually a big fan of creative filters, but it works very well in this image.

Jim

[radityopradipto]

Originally Posted by denja

You have had some wonderful and insightful commentary on this image. The thing that I would like to comment on is the use of the 6 pt. Star Filter. I am not usually a big fan of creative filters, but it works very well in this image.

Jim

Hi Jim
Did he implement filter in his image? I don't think he did...
The 6 shaped stars were a result of really small aperture.
If you used really small apertures like F/22-32, you can show stars without using any filter
Cheers

[denja]

Originally Posted by radityopradipto

Hi Jim
Did he implement filter in his image? I don't think he did...
The 6 shaped stars were a result of really small aperture.
If you used really small apertures like F/22-32, you can show stars without using any filter
Cheers

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm - good point. The reason that I assumed the star filter was used was the positioning of the points in all of the highlights. It's been a while since I have used a star filter, but, I was thinking that if it were the aperture, that the points would be positioned differently depending on the size of the object light. Now I'm going to have to dig up one of my old filters and try this, LOL!

Jim

[mike.II]

Originally Posted by denja

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm - good point. The reason that I assumed the star filter was used was the positioning of the points in all of the highlights. It's been a while since I have used a star filter, but, I was thinking that if it were the aperture, that the points would be positioned differently depending on the size of the object light. Now I'm going to have to dig up one of my old filters and try this, LOL!

Jim

Yeah, I'm going to have to find a star filter. The 6 point light was one of my favorite things. I hate to lose it when I go back withlarger aperture. Again, thank you all for your help. I've learned several things I'm going to try based on your feedback!!!