Big Ben at sunset and at night

[rammy]

Just wandering around the west end while the Chinese new year celebrations where on. Took a couple of Big Ben shots as it is so tall.

[BottomBracket]

Nice captures. There is something off though about the first one - it seems a bit tilted and perhaps needs a bit of levels or curves adjustment. The second shot is really interesting, though I would like to see a bit more of Big Ben to give it a bit more punch. Perhaps dodge it a bit PhotoShop.

[rammy]

Thanks. The first one might be off a little because I was getting close to it but it looks ok to me. I'll measure it again in PS and try some perspective on it. Maybe some adjustments on the tower itself, it is a little dark.

I see what you mean about the second, bring out Big Ben a little more.

Comments appreciated, thanks.

[Ospi]

THe second shot is fantastic, i love how only a certain amount of Big Ben is visible instead of the whole thing. Great work.

[thescottandrew]

i like them both, but the second one is awesome, how long of an exposure was it ?

[rammy]

THe second shot is fantastic, i love how only a certain amount of Big Ben is visible instead of the whole thing. Great work.

Thanks Ospi. That is what I wanted to show, how Big Ben just seems to "pop up" anywhere around Westminster when you are walking around. I hope the road adds some interest too.

[rammy]

i like them both, but the second one is awesome, how long of an exposure was it ?

Thanks Scott. I did two readings, one off the clock face of Big Ben and one from the road area. They "nearly" matched. The part in the middle (the tops of the trees) was no where near so I "sacrificied" that. I opted for the one that would keep the clock face, the hands and individual hour indicators clear.

The difficult bit was timing; Getting the traffic flowing to get the light streaks as there is a T junction at the bottom of the screen.

Exif:
Pic1: 80 mm, F8.0, 1/20 sec, ISO100
Pic2: 105 mm, F22.0, 15 sec, ISO100