Long exposure / light photography (painting)

Hi Stephanie

Depends what you mean by your attempts not working.

I'm assuming that you mean that you weren't able to get a long enough exposure for the effect to work in which case you have two choices. (This obviously applies to your K-x - you won't be able to achieve this with an i-pad or phone)

Either take your photos in very low light, usually early in the morning or late evening or when it is particularly overcast or buy a neutral density (ND) filter which cuts down the amount of light entering the lens.

To get the effect that you want you need a slow shutter speed. The aperture isn't hugely important, other than controlling how much of the photo is in focus. Most of the type of photo you describe have exposures ranging from a few seconds to many minutes and that simply isn't possible with a DSLR without very low light or a ND filter.

You will need a tripod or bean bag to cope with the long exposure times.

Have a search on the forum and on the web for using a ND filter and you will see what I mean. Filters aren't that expensive unless you go for the top makes. I've just bought a variable one which allows me to change the amount of light blocked depending on circumstances. The reviews for these are mixed, but I figured it would be a cheapish way of having a play around to see what class of filter I will use most before spending more.

I haven't used it yet, but plan on using it a lot when I go travelling for a few weeks tonight.

If you can wait 4 weeks I'll post a review when I return!

Chris

I'm very new to Photography but have read a little about this. I have taken a few traffic Trails which i think have turned out well. I also have a K-x. I would recommend getting an IR remote shutter release as this allows you to go past the 30 sec mark and use Bulb Mode. With the remote you can set the shutter to open at Bulb Mode and stay open for as long as you need until you press the remote again.

This might help along with the tips from milamber above. You probably need to use manual focus as when it's too dark your K-x will search for something to focus on, Also keep your ISO to 100 - 200. The latest (and i think possibly last) firmware update allows you to go to ISO 100. Lets not forget you will be best to use Manual Mode where you can take full control of the Shutter, Aperture and ISO speed.

Hope I'm not telling you anything you already know.


The last tip i read a few days ago was if using the torch light to paint images use a fabric cover such as a baby sock to block some of the light or it will just flood the sensor.

Stay warm and have fun, hope all turns out well for you. I'll be trying all this for myself soon. I'll post my images in the Gallery.

Will