speed of light at night

[BriscoPhoto]

I've been experimenting with long exposures alongside streets at night. Here's the last one I took. All constructive criticism and suggestions are appreciated.

Is this TOO dark? Should I have waited for more cars to pass by? Any other tips?



Feel free to click the image to view the larger version.

[alphasco]

Yes, perhaps some additional time/longer shutter speed to gather some additional light in the darker areas of the buildings, but it depends on what you're after. The images you posted has a dark, brooding, mysterious look to it, which is fine.

If you are not already doing this, be sure to take many exposures when doing night images. For a scene like yours, I usually start at, say, 1 second, then another at 2 seconds, then 4 seconds, etc, doubling the exposure time (which is equivalent to a 1 f/stop change on each), and continue through 30 seconds. Remember, film for digital cameras is cheap! Then download and view full screen images on your computer screen to evaluate which one you like the best.

If more light trails of passing vehicles is what you want, then definitely extend the shutter speed longer.

[Federico Presti]

Yeah, I do think your exposure should be longer, if you don't want it to be too luminous just close your diaphragm a few stops and use the bulb, you'll get amazing shots with two minute exposures.