what do i need to do to correct this shot

[darkangel]

I took this picture of my grandmothers house at night. The neighbors were practicing roping cows in the pen which cast the light and created shadows on the house. but there is too much noise and bluryness. i didnt want to use the flash in order to capture the shadows. please help.... I cant seem to master this night shot.

Picture #4 is somewhat better but still need to practice.


Canon 50D:

shooting mode AE
TV Shutter Speed 3.2
AV Arpeture 3.5
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO speed 1600
Auto ISO Speed On
Focal Length 18.0mm
White balance Auto

image #2 same setting

sorry it took me so long get back with you but here is another picture i took, though this one does not have the shadows i was trying for. tripod with a remote shutter release.

Canon 50d
Shooting Mode Program AE
TV shutter speed 1.3
AV arperture value 3.5
Exposure compensation -2/3
ISO Speed 3200
Auto ISO Speed Off
Focal Length 18.0mm
White Balance Mode, Auto.

Thinking about changing shooting modes as well...

Image #3
hand held shot

Shooting Mode Program AE
TV Shutter Speed 1.3
AV arperture value 3.5
Explosure compensation -1 1/3
ISO Speed 1600
Auto ISO Speed On
Focal Length 20.0mm
White balance Mode Auto

Photo #4
Shooting Mode Shutter Priority AE
TV Shutter Speed 10
AV Arpeture Value 3.5
Exposure Compensation -1 1/2
ISO Speed 200
Auto ISO Speed Off
Focal Length 18.0
White balance Mode Custom

[Rash Oval Knave]

Did you use a tripod? If not, consider employing one.

Using a tripod will allow you to drop the shutter speed even further (and thereby lets you decrease the ISO), giving you clearer, less-grainy images.

Also, what's going on with the right edge of this picture?

~ Shravan

[natek313]

Definitely get your camera on a tripod. It will eliminate camera shake, and will give you sharper pictures. As was stated, drop your ISO to reduce noise. This will decrease the shutter speed, but that won't be a problem if you have your camera on a tripod.

Rash, it seems that there has been some sort of issue with uploading attachments lately. I have seen several attached photos that have "lines" in them.

[wal]

a very interesting composition and lights here, I'd make a second attempt if i were you.

[darkangel]

ty for your reply rash, i used a tripod, and i look into the shutter speed as well. as for the right side of the picture, i have no earthly idea. will have to check the hard drive where i keep my pictures and see what the deal is. i had not noticed that until you mentioned it. any suggestions on the shutter speed i should try?

[BCampbell]

Are you using a cable release or the self timer? You may be getting vibration from physically pressing the button.

[darkangel]

used a shutter release on the second picture and a tripod. But i didn't get the shadow effect i wanted. but i think it came out better than the other two.

[darkangel]

sorry forgot to mention that i added to other attachments to my post. sorry

[BCampbell]

Looks like you just need practice, practice, practice. Trial and error for a while. It still looks underexposed. I would set your ev to 0, first. Then try some longer shutter speeds, keep doubling until it's overexposed and then back off from there. You might need to go fully manual if the camera is having trouble with metering and focusing in the dark.

You could also try adding some light to the scene. Some soft light on your subject can help it stand out; too bright and you won't be able to expose the background.

[darkangel]

going to practice some more with this type of shot, but have to wait till the weather gets a bit better and they are roping in the pen next door, that is where the light mainly comes from unless the full moon is out. Been having to do manual mode mostly. will also try to get some external light to use and see what happens then. Thank you all for your suggestions.