Cathedral at Night Photo

Photographer’s Note

My first night shot. This is the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis. I've spoken of it in an earlier post (http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/photo187277.htm)

I finally got a tridpod, and tried it out. I still don't know if I am making the right settings on the camera, but I guess I'll just see what happens. I have a Nikon Coolpix 5600, so if anyone has any good tips, I would appreciate any help you could give!

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Critiques | Translate

pamastro (7213) 2005-08-08 21:11

It's not a bad first take on night photography, Herbert. The cathedral certainly makes for a good subject matter. I would first suggest, if you can control ISO settings with your camera, to keep it to one of the lowest settings to minimize noise. You can also go for a smaller aperture and longer exposure if you have manual control, playing until you get a nice balance between the light and dark. And if you're in a place with traffic you can get some interesting light effects. Also, when I take photos at night I tend to underexpose it a bit. I also like going out just before it gets totally dark, while it's a very dark blue. As for the composition itself, perhaps a point of view with a clearer view of the cathedral and the ability to off center it. Perhaps like one of your daytime views. http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo186864.htm Offers a nice point of view.

Keep experimenting, Herbert. From the monuments I have seen in the daytime photos I'm sure there are plenty of well lit monuments to test on in Indianapolis.

Rinie_Hoff (9334) 2005-08-09 3:17

Hi Herbert, congratulations with your first nightshot. It looks cool, I know it's not easy. Actually I have nothing to add to Paul's tips. Do you have a nighstshot program on your cam?
I find the neon sign a bit distracting, bit on the other hand it adds, some color to the picture as well.

Tue (25608) 2005-08-10 19:35

Hi Herbert,
I think this is a very good night shot. I'm not very good in taking such pictures, so I'm afraid I have no real tips for you. ;-)
I like the light on the tower here, well done!
Groeten,
Lars