This week’s photo challenge covers the topic of ‘Dreaming’ – focusing on long exposures (2 to 15 seconds) where “ISO and shutter speed align perfectly in an effort to give our shots an otherworldly sense of escapism.”
For the longest time I was seeing image after image of waterfalls where the motion was slowed down so much the water looked smooth. I’m still not a fan. I prefer seeing and shooting the speed and power of the rush.
That said, over the years I have played with exposure settings discovering many applications for slow exposures pleasing to my own eye.
Long exposure can help turn a ‘plain’ sunset into a richly saturated image. Where light is scarce, colour suddenly pops. The two Maui sunsets below weren’t much to look at from a spectacular sky perspective, but the copper in the rocks really popped and the waves became ethereal with a 4-second exposure. The afterglow provided rich and inviting blues with 5-seconds. (Yes, that was the same night, same sunset – one looking south and one looking north.)
Without long exposures capturing the Northern Lights would be impossible. The next two years are expected to be the most active years for solar storms and are anticipated to generate spectacular aurora displays. I took an experimental run in February not wanting to miss out on the phenomena. Softly visible to the naked eye, 10-30 second exposures made the colours explode. Only my horse-mad daughter could find a horse in the middle of pitch dark countryside! A 5-8 second burst of light from a flashlight highlights details at ground level – including the ‘No Shooting’ sign which I couldn’t resist!
Last, but not least, fireworks… I’ve always been a sucker for the magical exploding light, and this year am thrilled to be part of the photographic team capturing the fireworks and event displays at Globalfest in August. These images were captured this weekend at Canada Olympic Park as part of the Calgary Stampede’s ‘Light Up the City’ celebration in honour of the Stampede’s 100-year anniversary. Five separate venues provided simultaneous displays. If you stood at the right point in the city, you could see 2 or 3 in the distance.
Wonderful photos and images for dreaming!
Thanks Cee – I love to dream! (And procrastinate as I’m suppose to be doing business cold calls this afternoon LOL – I think I’m dreaming they’ll do themselves!)
WOW..WOW..WOW! I couldn’t say anymore…
I am new to DSLR camera. So thank you very much for sharing your experiences and techniques! 🙂
LOL – glad I could help Inge. I must admit, Google is my friend on many occasions too! Every time I shoot, something new comes up.
Yes, you are right. 😀
One main reason why I wanted to have a DSLR camera because I am obsessed by night sky! That’s my main reason. 😀
I haven’t got a right time to shoot it. Most of the times because of the weather. I am keen to shoot the stars, the moon, etc. 😀
You would love my friend Carolyn’s images. She shoots a lot in the middle of the night, and occasionally lightpaints too. http://www.carolynguild.com/Carolyn_Guild_Photography/Portfolios.html. Another one is Kevin McElheran, an Alberta Photographer whose website seems to have temporarily disappeared, but some of his images can be seen here. http://www.photorepublik.com/citizen/1384/galleries/my-photos
Thank you very much for your references and the links! Really appreciated! I will definitely save it! 🙂
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I like the first one it transports a great atmosphere.
Thanks Sonja. That was just off a parking area next to Kamaole III beach in Maui.
Great shots!
Thanks Livvy!
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Fantastic lesson in long exposures! Great pics! Thanks!
Thanks Arnel. Will be getting lots of firework practice in August so hopefully will have new offerings. LOVE your blog. Looking forward to more of your activities.
Oooooooohhhh… I do like these, especially the first one. Definately a technique I need to learn. Well played!
I still have lots to learn too – every time I go out it’s a new adventure. 🙂