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togish1
3rd of June 2008 (Tue), 19:33
hey everyone, i need some advice, i wanna take a pic of my car under the stars...in a dark beach parking lot....what settings or tips can u guys give me? i wanna capture the car and the stars...how long of an exposure should i use? and should i use flash?
PhotosGuy
3rd of June 2008 (Tue), 20:52
Important item you left out: WHAT color car?
If it were me, I'd do three exposures & PS them together.

One in this light: A few Car Lighting Tips (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70290)
One while there was a bit of light left in the sky: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4476828&postcount=8
One of the stars: Perseids 2007 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=363505)
togish1
3rd of June 2008 (Tue), 20:55
car is white
DStanic
3rd of June 2008 (Tue), 20:59
Don't forget to wax the car beforehand, but I'm sure if you are a car guy you already have this planned out. ;)
togish1
3rd of June 2008 (Tue), 22:50
Don't forget to wax the car beforehand, but I'm sure if you are a car guy you already have this planned out. ;)


lol...i just baught the car a week ago...alrdy waxed it 5 times lol...08 civic si 4 door :)
togish1
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 14:01
any other tips/setting infos?
Sorarse
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 15:55
If you don't use flash and rely on a long exposure instead, if there are any light sources nearby, i.e. streetlights, buildings etc., you will probably pick up a colour cast from those lights, especially as your car is white.
Jeff
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 16:27
I'd start off using 10-20 second exposures at the fastest ISO and the widest aperture you have to get the stars. Then if you have an external flash you can manually fire that. I've even held it off camera and hit the test button just to add a little light to the foregroud. And the obvious: Tripod & mirror lockup, cable release.

Are you planning to use a wide angle lens? What kind of composition are you looking for? Is this a dusk shot or a no kidding at night shot? City lights WILL cast a wierd yellow glow so get as far away as you can. Maybe shooting from as close to the ground upwards will take out trees if you don't want them in there.

Here's a quick sample of the big dipper using the 18-55mm kit lens at 18mm f/3.5 ISO 1600 and 20sec. Then you just have to properly expose what's in front of it.
Jeff
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 16:36
Photosguy:
Did you notice you picked up the Andromeda Galaxy in your picture of the Perseids?:D
togish1
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 18:04
thanx guys...ill try my best and post the results when the skies get clear again...
PhotosGuy
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 21:05
Photosguy:
Did you notice you picked up the Andromeda Galaxy in your picture of the Perseids? The blur off to the right? When I was a kid I knew where all of them were. No clue anymore. Orion & a few other constellations are all I can find.
Jeff
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 21:54
The blur off to the right? When I was a kid I knew where all of them were. No clue anymore. Orion & a few other constellations are all I can find.

Yep, that's it. Once I got a "Go To" telescope a few years ago my knowledge of the sky has gone too. I have to re-learn a lot of stuff each summer.
V8Rumble
4th of June 2008 (Wed), 23:34
Photosguy:
Did you notice you picked up the Andromeda Galaxy in your picture of the Perseids?:D

where?
PhotosGuy
5th of June 2008 (Thu), 21:06
where? About an inch from the right & 2" down from the top.