Practically black inspiration

[jimmyl]

Hi all,
As a relative newby to SLR photography and 1st timer to the forum I would like to share an image I took in developing my understanding of the creative modes of my camera. This image was inspired by a brief 'practically black' which was part of the Canon Photo 5 2009 competition. The only light source that I used was from a small LED light (no flash.) I am looking for any feedback relating to composition and lighting.

Model: Canon 550D
Shutter: 1/30 sec
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 1600
Focal Length: 31mm
Mode: Manual

[ccting]

Nice Pic!

Let me guess your light condition according to your aperture and shutter speed.

Shutter: 1/30 sec
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 1600
Focal Length: 31mm
Mode: Manual

EV = 5.2467 Correct?

Equivalent ISO, Speed, Aperture as follows:
Speed , f number , ISO
30 , 4.5 , 1600 (ISO = 1600, f=4.5, s=1/30)
77.487244898 , 2.8 , 1600
105.46875 , 2.4 , 1600
151.875 , 2 , 1600
187.5 , 1.8 , 1600
309.9489795918 , 1.4 , 1600
15 , 4.5 , 800
38.743622449 , 2.8 , 800
52.734375 , 2.4 , 800
75.9375 , 2 , 800
93.75 , 1.8 , 800
154.9744897959 , 1.4 , 800
11.25 , 4.5 , 600
29.0577168367 , 2.8 , 600 (ISO = 600, f=2.8, s=30)
39.55078125 , 2.4 , 600
56.953125 , 2 , 600
70.3125 , 1.8 , 600
116.2308673469 , 1.4 , 600
7.5 , 4.5 , 400
19.3718112245 , 2.8 , 400
====>26.3671875 , 2.4 , 400
37.96875 , 2 , 400
46.875 , 1.8 , 400
77.487244898 , 1.4 , 400
3.75 , 4.5 , 200
9.6859056122 , 2.8 , 200
13.18359375 , 2.4 , 200
18.984375 , 2 , 200
23.4375 , 1.8 , 200
38.743622449 , 1.4 , 200

Focal length is 30mm, and therefore the F-number could be decreased to 2.8 with enough DOF. FOr me, i would use ISO 600, f=2.8 or even lower, with same speed 1/30.

Canon, i believe, has clean ISO up to 400, .. therefore try ISO 400, f=2.4, Speed = 27

[jimmyl]

Thanks for your for the vote of confidence "Nice Pic" ccting.

In response to the light condition, I wouldn't have a clue...lol. As a beginner in this game I am still trying to learn all of this sort of thing. Is that something I could find in the exif data. In this practice, it was a bit of trial and error (and a few glasses of wine.) Luckily my daughter is patient when it comes to this sort of thing.

Your right, I would have loved to be able to get my ISO down. I wasn't excited about working so hi in the ISO range. I just picked up a 50mm f1.8 lens so this will help to lower the ISO. Thanks for the advice. :-)