It took me 4 years to get this shot...

The Golden Hour loves you and your G3!

I'll check it out the next time I go to a newsstand. Thanks!

Thanks, Pollo! Someone asked this here once before, and here are a few of my techniques:

- I usually use the AV mode at f4 (even though I didn't for the above shots)
- I use manual focus at infinity for ALL low-light and night shots
- When the camera is on a tripod, I use the 2-second timer delay, so the camera doesn't shake when the exposure is made
- I ALWAYS use the LCD to judge both exposure and composition. I can't even remember the last time I looked through the optical viewfinder.
- Bracket, bracket, bracket - especially for night shots

Ha ha! Well, Phili, first we need to correct your list. I never had a 300D, but I did have a Sony S70 and S75, not to mention a Sony F717.

I have strict rules from the wife: I must get rid of a camera before I can buy another! So right now, I only have the G3 and 10D. Also, for some reason, I never mix the two - I take only one or the other when I go out shooting.

Hey Scott,

I thought you packed your camera away in the winter!! Lovely shots and a great story too from dtrayers.

Happy new year mate!

Absolutely stunning photos!

I love the sharpness of the images especially! These shots truly show what the G3 is really capable of doing!

Scott, what exposure bracketing range do you usually set for low light/night shots? What about day shots?

First, thanks to all who replied. I appreciate your comments!

For night shots, I usually bracket by one stop. Since I tend to keep the same aperture, this means I'll either divide the time value in half (underexposing) or double it (overexposing).

I don't bracket too much for daylight shots - I'll usually just take a few extra shots of the same subject and let the camera decide on exposure (depending on where I point the camera to meter the scene).

I've gotten pretty good at evaluating exposure by looking at the LCD.

amazing pictures, but I really like the first shot, a real beauty. thanks also for the technical info, very helpful.

Hi Scott,

Your photos are superb but your subject line has a merit all its own that deserves a closer look.

Those who want to truly appreciate photography (thus becoming better photographers) should be aware of the time and trouble one can go through to get really great shots.

It's not just a matter of money spent on equipment. It can be the end result of a huge amount of patience, persistence, use of basic photographic skills, complex routines with image optimization softwares and lots of practice.

Your subject line highlights the fact that one must persist in always looking for places where photo ops exist AND remembering that the perfect shot may be just a matter knowing when to go back to the scene.

Phil

That's very true, Phil. Just because the light or something else isn't just right, doesn't mean you can't come back another time. I've got quite a few pictures that I plan on taking "when I get back there".

I see that you say you took 4 years to get this shot. It must have been very boring waiting at that spot for 4 years for the perfect light, weather, and scene combination to come about. How did you spend all that time without going crazy with boredom?

How do you know I didn't (go crazy, that is)??

Lovely shots, so will we see some more in another 4 years?

Scott,

Your photos are an inspiration to a newbie like me and it's good of you to share some of your wisdom with us. I understand the reasoning behind your tips except for the one about using manual focus at infinity for all low-light shots. Would you be kind enough to explain the thinking behind this one?