Nighttime Friday
Tonight we wrap up Photo Week with Nighttime. Hubby needed to run to the store late tonight so we walked through the park on the way home. We had fun playing with the nighttime setting on the camera. It actually does a really good job of focusing on the nearest object and applying the flash appropriately.
BUT, we had more fun holding the flash down (off) in nighttime mode. This led to a very long shutter speed. We used various sturdy posts and benches to hold the camera steady during the long shutter speeds. With the shutter being open for so long, it captures all the light even if that light it moving. Causes some cool effects. Oh and, I have to give credit where credit is due. Hubby actually took all three of these pictures. I was there to coach him the whole time though 🙂
This is a shot I really wanted to catch. It’s a bit overexposed on the bottom. I think that was because there was an oncoming car that turned the corner towards the end of the shutter being open (it was literally open about 8 seconds). It’s really cold out tonight so we didn’t want to wait for another single car to come by to retake the shot.
This is the park near our house. You may recognize it from previous pictures. Again, we’re holding down the flash on this picture.
Same park again. Recognize that checkers table? Again, no flash for this picture. I love how the lights look in the picture. Click on it to see a bigger version of the pic.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
This is such a great idea… and for those who are considering purchasing a DSLR, this will prove to be very helpful too!
I’m in! I have a Canon Rebel. At one point in time, I’d read most of the manual concurrently with a digital photography book. (yeah, I’m nerdy like that) I found it only helps to know where to change the setting if you know the affect will be on your photo. I can’t wait to brush up and learn some new tricks!! Great idea!
This is a great topic! The flash is so frustrating. Do you want people to share about equipment and hacks that have to do with the flash? I have found that various ways of diffusing/bouncing the flash has the biggest impact on my photos.
As far as your food photos go, have you considered constructing a light box out of white foam core and a couple clip lights? It would allow you to take your photos even at night but still feel bright and cheery! Just an idea. 🙂
Amy – feel free to post about whatever you want. The point is to share what you’ve learned about how to make the flash work for you. I’d love to hear what you do when you use your flash.
I have considered a light box. I had one on my Xmas list 🙂 I’m just worried about storing it in our tiny condo. For now, I just wait for daylight but I would like a light box in the future.
Totally understanding the lightbox storage concerns. I’m thinking that I’m going to get some white foam core from the store today and play with making one that breaks down easily into a flat stack. I’ll post my experiment. 🙂
Yea Steph said she was going to make on today. This is the one I had on my Xmas list. I still might get it since it folds up.
Ok, I made a collapsible version of the light box today with your situation in mind. 🙂 Can’t beat that nylon one you’re looking at, but for $6 this one does a pretty good job! Thanks for the challenge! Here’s the light box.
Thanks for the heads up, Jen! This is JUST the kind of help I’ve been looking for when it comes to taking pictures. Great idea for Foto Friday! I’m really excited. 🙂