Exposure help

[CrazyStang]

I am going to be taking a picture of an Interstate at night, and I'm wanting the trailing lights effect. What I'm wondering is what exposure would you suggest?

Maybe like 5 sec. shutter speed, ISO??, Aperture??.

Thanks.

[Pete]

If it's at night, just use a high aperture (f/11 or above) and let the camera chose the shutter speed. You should get some good light trails out of that. Experiment with other shutter speeds also to get the correct exposure...

[pagefile]

Don't forget about a tripod.

[chris clements]

How far can a car travel in 5 seconds?
I'd expect you'll need 20 or 30 seconds to get long trails, which might require an ND filter (or your trusty polarizer at a pinch).

[CrazyStang]

How far can a car travel in 5 seconds?
I'd expect you'll need 20 or 30 seconds to get long trails, which might require an ND filter (or your trusty polarizer at a pinch).
It's an interstate that is really busy, and cars will be driving 65 mph. So, that should be pretty long I think.

[chris clements]

My calculator sometimes lies, but I recon that's about 160 yards in 5 seconds.
Anyway, set lowest ISO @ f/16 or f/22 and experiment with shutter lengths from 5 seconds upwards.

As with all night shots, you'll generally get the best pics whilst there's still some light in the sky (dusk and dawn). If your tripod isn't heavy/rock steady, hang your camera bag from the central column to increase stability.

[hijinks]

How far can a car travel in 5 seconds?
I'd expect you'll need 20 or 30 seconds to get long trails, which might require an ND filter (or your trusty polarizer at a pinch).
1 mph =1.47 fps 65 mph x 1.47 =95.5 fps x 5 seconds =477.75 ft. That is how far a car can go in 5 seconds.

[chris clements]

...so my calculator was nine inches out. I'll return it to the store immediately :)

[chris clements]

'Stang - don't forget to show us the results !!

[CrazyStang]

Well, I took the picture and I think I should have waited a bit longer. It wasn't quite dark enough. I'm gonna try again next time I'm going thru there though! So, be expecting the pictures.