What’s Your Preference?

jdepould · #11 (**permalink**) 06-17-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

I should have done a search for this topic before I started another one.

I don't want to drag a tripod around, so I am going with the wide open aperture and a high ISO. The only fast lens I own is the nifty fifty, so that idea is not going to happen either. Right now I am thinking I can beat the crowds and the heat, if I get over there at daybreak for their flight competition. That will probably further complicate the photographic challenge. I would like to catch them against the sunrise. Hmmmmmmmm.........

You may not need super high ISO. The flames can get pretty bright. You just have to be really careful with the metering.

FlyingKiwiGirl · #12 (**permalink**) 06-17-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

I should have done a search for this topic before I started another one.

I don't want to drag a tripod around, so I am going with the wide open aperture and a high ISO. The only fast lens I own is the nifty fifty, so that idea is not going to happen either. Right now I am thinking I can beat the crowds and the heat, if I get over there at daybreak for their flight competition. That will probably further complicate the photographic challenge. I would like to catch them against the sunrise. Hmmmmmmmm.........

Good idea to do the sunrise option, the night glow was pretty hard with over 80,000 ppl attending.

Here are some of the tips I typed before(I realise that you're now going to the sunrise but at least these may help others that go to a night glow)-
No matter how good the spot is that you pick out when you arrive 4 hours before the event, it will look even better to the people that arrive 4 minutes before. Guard you patch with your life!

The best spot if there is a crowd is up against the barrier fence(if there is one) this way at least you get a few balloons in your shot and not 1000 people.
Another reasonably good spot is on a bank if there is one but be prepared for millions of flashes and hundreds of arms held high with bright LCD screens to appear in your shot too. Even better you may get a few kids riding there dad's shoulders.
Do not attempt to move about once it starts, you'll end up tripping over bodies in the semi dark and losing your hard fought for spot, unless you leave your partner guarding it in which case you may not find them until well after the grounds have cleared!
A tripod and 2 cameras?.......hmmmmm........you're going to have your hands full. Be prepared for your tripod to get knocked and bumped and tripped over. I found it better to sit on the bank with the tripod rested between my legs and adjusted to the slope. Safe.
Take a small torch so you can see your settings and to do adjustments. Be prepared with your possible settings BEFORE the glow starts, it happens really quick and finishes well before you're ready.
Be assertive and tell the neanderthal in front to sit down like the rest of the crowd.
Next year I would move to the front of the semi circle of balloons, this time I was on a bank to the side of the balloons.
Or better still;
Next year go to the sunrise, the colours are way better!

ETA- if you're sitting for a long period, especially on a slope, take a cushion!