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Hello everyone,
Besides all the normal photos around here, I have been learning a new technique called "Light Painting". Basically, the technique is a long exposure taken with the camera on a tripod, with light added to the scene using one or more flashlights. During a 20-30 second shot, the flashlight beams are danced around the scene, so every photo is different. This allows me to shine longer on one side of the building to brighten it, or just brush across areas to give them some detail. In the photo above, I was able to capture the big dipper over the old house on Mormon Row of Grand Teton National Park.
If interested in seeing a few more, click the link below.
I quite like the third one with the bridge. They sport a bit of a "haunted" look.
I want to capture the Northern lights. The magenta and teals seem to be elusive though. It seems the green emissions are more visible by the lens. Hopefully this new toy will help.
Thanks for the advice on the camera, I love it, other than the fact the camera has a big black spot - sensor dust to the extreme. They are going to replace the camera, I just have to get to the city, in the meanwhile I'm having lots of fun playing. The camera is a nice fit physically. Quite light and a perfect size for my hands.
I believe there is no shame in failure. Rather, the shame lies in the loss of all the things that might have been, but for the fear of failure.
Hi Kelly,
Yes, the digital cameras have an issue with dust on the sensors. The better SLR versions are probably more prone to it knowing people often change lenses which exposes the sensor and mirror to dust and specs. I noticed my first dust spots a few months after buying it, but wasn't aware of the issues at the time. I am surprised your brand new one had a problem right off.
Good luck with your photography!
Mike
Mike Jackson / co-administrator Golden Era Studios
Vintage Ornamental Clip art
Jackson Hole, WY
Ron,
The safest way is to blow the dust off the sensor with a dry air shringe, such as a Giotto Rocket, but it doesn't get all of it off. There are several swab tools and "accepted" solutions (even if not 100% condoned by Nikon). Not many seem to want to publicly talk about it...maybe worried about somehow voiding their warranties if Nikon or Canon could confirm someone did it?
Besides all the normal shots of the animals and scenics, I have been playing with the light painting technique, as mentioned in the first post. It is taking a little time and energy, but I am getting the hang of it now with somewhat predictable results. This one was taken last night of a famous old tree, scarred from lightning and age. The Teton range silhouette is visible in the distance, just as the last light dropped off turning everything black. They call this the "Old Patriarch" tree.
Mike
Mike Jackson / co-administrator Golden Era Studios
Vintage Ornamental Clip art
Jackson Hole, WY
Hi again,
I have been out early and late in the day for the past few weeks trying to get a good handle on the light painting techniques.
I added a few more images into the slide show tonight. Most of these are 30 second exposures with added lighting using a couple of 3 million candlepower flashlights. The shots this morning were taken at about 6:50 AM at a place called the Wedding Trees. Two old spruce trees sit on a ridge, with a limb from each touching the other. Interestingly, the bottom contour of the two branches almost exactly follow the contour of the Teton mountain range I was able to capture today. On a previous attempt, there was a band of clouds in the way, creating a slightly different backdrop.
Very interesting trees, even in the daylight. I would like to know more about "3 million candlepower flashlights" and this technique. Are there any good books on the technique and do you happen to have a link to these high powered flashlights that you are using?
I added a few more images into the slide show just now. The image above wasn't included this time, but seems almost appropriate to include tonight on Halloween. It was an experimental shot exposed for four minutes at f22, ISO 100. If I shot it again, I think I would have set the aperture to f11. The image was fairly dark when I opened it the first time.
The first image in the slide show below was taken across the valley a couple of days later, with about a half moon. It was exposed for 3 minues, 45 seconds at f8. At that exposure, the camera's sensor picked up quite a few more stars and a little of the white snow on the distant mountains. It was way past sunset at the time. Each outing builds on the experience and getting useable shots is becoming a little more predictable.
Mike, my mother was a photographer in the 50s & 60s, and she used to do a bit of that light painting, in black & white, way back then- the effects were great, as are your pics- well done!
Denver Chapter of the Letterheads