Okay, So i tried a night shot..

[Vndcatr]

So i tried a few night shots.. We have a little 10-15 mph breeze right now.. But i used a tripod.

MY XSI (450D) Using my 28-135mm IS lens - Shooting in Manual
Aperture - F14
ISO - 100
Length - 28mm
Exposure - 25 sec
Mirror Lock up - Engaged
Live view - On

Just looks grainy and not right .. Can some one give me some points and tips.
I spent most of the day Searching the forums under night shots and learning some key points.

You tell me . C&C welcome. I normally hot day shots where light wasnt an issue.

[DerekRob]

I like the light trails.

[jrader]

The grain is probably due to the nature of the shot. The ISO setting is right for long exposures, but here the shot is underexposed (that's the nature of shooting at night). Underexposed shots are more likely to have pronounced noise. That's part of the argument for "exposing to the right".

What you can try is doing a dark frame (where you leave your lens cap on and do a "longish" exposure) to get a noise profile and to find where you have burnt pixels. After you bring the shots into PS, you can add the dark frame as a layer and do a difference to remove the noise and fried pixels. I have a feeling, though, that there is an easier way to do this.

Best of luck.

John

[siddr20]

Can you try this shot at f8? See how you go!!

[Lowner]

I've got similar "blocked up" highlights in shots taken in Venice. I thought about it afterwards and I think it would help here.

Your 25 second exposure would indicate to me that is was quite late, with little or no colour in the sky - at least colour that the camera dynamic range can see. The answer for my Venice shots was to just shoot earlier in the evening, while there's something for the sensor to work with. I put that theory to the test the other weekend in Valencia and I think it worked. If you can be bothered, the Valencia night shot link is below.

On the image you have posted I cannot see any "grain" (actually I'm advised by more knowledgable digital photographers than me that its actually the pattern from the sensor), but I believe you can see it it in the original because its a function of underexposed shadow areas, as well as long exposures.

I see that my 30D has a "long exposure" gadget. I've never used it, as you can tell! But is there any mileage in using it? Anyone?

[sgogula]

Originally Posted by siddr20

Can you try this shot at f8? See how you go!!

plus 1

[Vndcatr]

Thanks for the tips guys. I have my long exposure noise reduction set to ON. And it was a bit late. I thnk i waited too late to get a picture. I will try to take some more tonight, some at F8. Regardless ill take them with more color left in the sky

[tim]

Grain is likely because it's underexposed.

[Vndcatr]

Okay, yea the light just went away too fast.. I'll try it again with more light ...

[tim]

If you're asking about my suggestion that the image was underexposed the solution would seem obvious - either let more light hit the sensor (shutter/aperture), or increase the sensitivity of the sensor (ISO).

[walternewton]

To me the biggest issue by far is the lack of any interesting subject matter...I assume this was taken in your front yard, is there a more dynamic "downtown" setting nearby you could try next time? (If not, at least put the garden hose in the corner of the frame away ).

[rdricks]

Night shots can be tricky. You need to get enough light on the sensor. and even with that, you are likely to get some noise. The lower your ISO the better.

Make sure you have a sturdy tripod, and do not be afraid of time. I did some waterfalls at night a few weeks ago and had exposure times ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. Of course, there were no street lights in those images.

[Vndcatr]

Originally Posted by walternewton

To me the biggest issue by far is the lack of any interesting subject matter...I assume this was taken in your front yard, is there a more dynamic "downtown" setting nearby you could try next time? (If not, at least put the garden hose in the corner of the frame away ).

i didnt notice that.. It was more of a test to see if i can do it .. I will head to downtown this week though to get some good ones. I came down with a head cold so im not going anywhere til this bug passes over..