Carnival Ride at Night

[tracib]

First time taking night time pictures with motion. I did not have a tripod, so this was completely handheld.

[tracib]

I should also say....how can I get this picture more crisp? Would a longer shutter speed make for a better picture?

[MOmilkman]

In the critique forums you should post your exif data so others can quickly see what your shutter speed is without having to click on the picture then go into the exif data. I think it's actually part of the rules of posting in the critique forums but I'm not completely sure of that. Either way if you do, you will surely get more responses...

that said, I like the photo but 3 seconds could be a bit long. Its a matter of personal taste. I'd say you did a pretty darn good job for a 3 sec shot handheld. If I tried 3 sec handheld it wouldn't look any thing like that!
I only got a couple shots at the fair this year but I prefer a long exposure thats quite a bit shorter than 3 sec. You still get plenty of motion blur at around .5 sec to 1 sec. Sometimes less is more. But again, it's just a matter of personal taste.
Go back next year and try multiple settings soot the same thing at 1/15, .5, 1, 1.5, etc. and see what really looks good! And for a crisper shot a tripod wouldn't hurt!
But I cant razz you because I forgot mine this year too! lol

Here's my only fair shot this year at 0.8 sec

[windrider86]

Please include info that is asked for in the guidelines/rules. Thank you in advance for editing your post

[mwatson]

Here is your EXIF

Camera Nikon D3000
Exposure 3
Aperture f/29.0
Focal Length 50 mm
Focal Length 50.4 mm
ISO Speed 160


Personally, I think you have quite the shot here. I think, even though you did it out of necessity, the hand held really worked here.

I say that because I do not see any reference to a fair. I just see spinning lights and such. It makes it kind of abstract.

If you wanted to attempt it again, try opening up your aperture. You may risk blowing out your lines but that is the first thing I would correct. It would allow more light so you can actually see this is a fair ride.

But, like I said, I am in favor of the way it is.