Glen Webber ~ NZ Wildlife Photography. - Long Exposure Photo's

How to photograph lightning with your Nikon D300 DSLR

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:54:18 +1200

Lightning photos. A how-to.

[lightning photograph]

How to take photographs of lightning with a Nikon D300 or Nikon D300s DSLR camera.
Wow two photoblog posts in two days. That must be some kind of a record. Today's photo is one I shot last year, edited and then forgot about. So I figured I might as well get it online.

Also since posting some earlier lightning photographs I often get asked "how do you take photos of lightning?" So here's a basic how-to. Using the above photo of lightning hitting Sky Tower as an example. As per normal shot with my Nikon D300 SLR.

Note: this guide should work just as well for a Nikon D300s DSLR, and many other Nikon SLRs. If you're prepared to read your camera's manual, then the bulk of this guide will work for almost any DSLR.

Step 1. Get a storm.
Easy enough if you live somewhere that has regular storms passing through. If not you might want to consider it when planning your next holiday. Auckland gets a few each year... More often than not lightning photos work best att night. But sometimes the storm itself will naturally darken things enough. So don't rule out the possibility of getting a shot just because its day time.

Step 2. Find a safe location to photograph from.
Get somewhere dry for yourself and your camera gear. Preferable out of the wind to avoid camera vibration. You must always keep in mind being safe yourself. You are after all out and about in a lightning storm. Use your brain. Don't set up under trees. If you can see lightning hitting buildings around you, don't sling your tripod over your shoulder and go for a walk in it. When I shot the lightning photos in Wisconson I used building entrances and bus shelters as cover. In the example above I simply setup on the balcony off our bedroom.

Step 3. Set up your camera.
A tripod is essential for this sort of photography as long exposures are needed. The biggest and heaviest you can carry is best. Then frame your shot. Try to include some foreground of some sort. A shot of lightning against a black sky can wind up rather boring. Also a wide angle zoom lens will be very useful here. A big prime might be tempting, but these are not ideal conditions to be shooting under. You might not be able to "just move the tripod forward a little". I don't own a wide angle zoom, and my 10mm prime was way too wide for this shot. Instead I used a Nikkor 18-105 VR. The kit lens that comes with the D90. It worked fine for this shot.

Lightning photo tip : As in the case of Sky Tower (above) big tall structures get hit most often during lightning storms. So they can be a good subject to start with.

Also once you have your shot framed turn the lens focusing motor off. Once set you don't want the lens adjusting itself between photographs. I've seen several people recommend turning any stabilisation off. I've experimented with this and found no discernible difference in results.

Step 4. Camera settings.
As always with camera settings you'll want to adjust things to get everything you want in your shot. A general rule of thumb with lightning is, less light is better. The lightning itself will provide more light than you need.

Exposure length: This is the most important element in getting a lightning photo. Obviously lightning flashes happen very quickly. Too quickly to snap off a frame and capture it, and trying to guess when its going to happen is pointless. So the trick is to use a long exposure times. Have the shutter open "watching" the sky for as long as possible. Exactly how long an exposure will very. While taking shots of distant slow moving storms I've found 2 minutes or more just fine. Yet when right under a fast violent storm anything more than 5 to 10 seconds was too much. Start at 30 seconds then adjust accordingly. Also turn any long exposure noise reduction off. This function will otherwise cut your "watching the sky" time in half.

Note : Most cameras will require the use of an advanced remote control with the your shutter speed to set to "bulb" for automated exposures of greater than 30 seconds.

ISO setting: Use the lowest ISO setting your camera has available. In most DSLRs this will be 50 to 100 ISO. This is not just reducing the light being recorded, but also helping to reduce noise in the frame. In the example above it was set to ISO 200 as I forgot to change it.

Lens speed: You want to use the slowest lens speed (the highest f-stop number) you can get away with, while still retaining any additional scenery in your frame. Again reducing the amount of light entering the camera. Since you'll be working with long exposures, you can wind it right out to start with. My example above was shot at f/22.

Automatic exposures: Next make things easy for yourself. You could of course press the shutter yourself every 30 seconds. But this gets tedious and even using a remote you risk introducing vibration. Fortunately the D300 (and many other cameras) have a build in solution. Nikon calls it "Interval timer shooting" and its found under the shooting menu. It allows the camera to automatically take an exposure every so many seconds. So if you're taking 30 second exposures set it up to take one every 31 seconds, etc. This means you can virtually "watch the sky" for the entire duration of a storm if you desire.

For my above shot I setup the camera to take a very large number of shots then went downstairs and watched TV.

Step 4. Rinse and repeat.
Once you've got all that done you wait ... and wait ... and wait ... until you see lightning where you're shooting. All going well you got it in your frame. Stop the camera shooting and check your results. Adjust as you think best and try again. There is always a bit of luck involved.

Step 5. Edit your photo.
Theres not really anything special needed for editing a lightning photo. However one thing that can product great results is merging multiple shots. If you have several lightning strikes all photographed from the same position, you can combine them into a single image. I've never managed to get the frames to successfully do this, but there are some great examples out there if you hunt around a bit.

And thats really it. Good luck!

Got a great tip on photographing lightning or your own lightning photo?
Add a comment by clicking the comments link at the bottom of this post.

Photo of lightning striking Sky Tower, Auckland , New Zealand.
Image Description:	Lightning strike on Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	26th August 2009.
Focal Length:	18mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	27mm	Aperture:	f/22
White Balance:	Manual.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	30 seconds.
Light Source:	Cloudy	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	200		Lens Used:	Nikon 18-105mm VR DX.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Manfrotto 055x Prob tripod and 486RC2 head. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.5.
Photo edits:	Minor crop. Levels and sharpen. Add border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		OK, if a little boring lightning photograph.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

And yet another photograph up. See I told ya.
Cheers,
Glen.

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Tiritiri lighthouse at night photograph

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:51:34 +1200

Self portrait photo by the lighthouse on Tiritiri Matangi Island at night.

[tiri lighthouse picture]

Another photograph from Tiri.
Time for another update I think. Its a photo of the Tiritiri Matangi Island Lighthouse. If you look closely you can see me standing by the door to the lighthouse. This picture was originally intended to be part of the foreground in a stacked star trail photo. However I somehow stuffed up the programming on my camera and ended up with only 6 frames. Not sure what I did there. But at least I was able to salvage this shot.

If you're able to visit Tiri and haven't been there before head straight for the lighthouse on the hill. Not only is it beside the visitor center / tea rooms, but this is where several Takahe hang out and will be easily seen. If there is only one place you go on the island on a day trip go here. Also if you are able to spend the night on Tiri. Do so. Its awesome. Little spotted kiwi are everywhere. There are Tuatara's walking about, Morepork (Ruru) around and Teal taking their ducklings (tealings?) for midnight walks. Very Cool, and so worth while.

Picture taken with the D300 DSLR.

About the Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse.

Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand. The Tiritiri Matangi light is the oldest lighthouse in New Zealand still in operation. Constructed in 1864 from cast iron, the light was first lit on 1 January, 1865. The light was first automated in 1925 and used an acetylene burning revolving light. Keepers returned to the light in 1947 and it remained manned until 1984 when the light was fully automated.
Check out the Wikipedia page.

BTW this is the first photograph I've posted where I've used my 10mm Sigma Fisheye lens. I used the same technique here as I did for my self portrait photo on Lake Manona, Wisconsin.

Lighthouse photograph information.
Image Description:	Self portrait by lighthouse at night on, Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	13th April 2009.
Focal Length:	10mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	15mm	Aperture:	f/2.8
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	30 seconds.
Light Source:	N/A	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
ISO:	1000		Lens Used:	Sigma 10mm Fisheye DX.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack, Nikon MB-D10 battery grip, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash, Manfrotto 055x Prob tripod and 486RC2 head.
Software:	Converted from RAW with Nikon Capture NX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Photo edits:	Small align and crop. Levels, then sharpen. Add border and scale.
Photographer Comments:		Another self portrait at night.
Model Credit:	Glen Webber.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2009. All rights reserved.

Thats all for the moment.
Cyas,
Glen.

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Lightning over capital building in Madison Wisconsin

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:43:48 +1200

Lightning over capital building and church in Madison, Wi. USA.

[lightning photograph]

Yes its been a while since my last post..
The last couple of weeks I've had that dreaded photographic problem of not being happy with any photos I've taken. I only remembered today I had this picture of a massive lightning clap over the capital building and square in Madison sitting around. Even Olli, has been posting more often than me.

The photo is an exposure blend of a shot with cloud and no lightning, and one containing the massive lightning strike.
I did this to help over come a large part of the frame that was over exposed due to just how powerful this lightning was. Once again HDRsoft's Photomatix Pro 3 was very useful. Even though this is an exposure blended image, its not a HDR shot.

Those who have been here before will recognise the church on the right from my earlier lightning in Madison picture.

Photograph Information
Image Description:	Lightning over capital building in Madison Wisconsin USA.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	26th May 2008.
Focal Length:	18mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	27mm	Aperture:	f/3.5
White Balance:	Auto	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1 second.
Light Source:	N/A	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Converted from RAW using Nikon ViewNX. Exposure blending with HDRsoft's Photomatix Pro 3, Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Accessories Utilised:	Velbon DX tripod, Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Nikon lens hood, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Photographer Comments:	This clap of lightning was right on top of me!		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR DX lens.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2008. All rights reserved.

Till next time,
G/

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Thoughts or opinion? leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Nikon announces the new Nikon D700 full frame digital SLR camera

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:54:34 +1200

Nikon's new D700 DSLR camera.

[self portrait picture]

Yesterday Nikon announced its latest digital SLR camera. The new Nikon D700.
From the announcement:"The D700 features an FX-format first introduced with the Nikon D3. Highly praised for its outstanding features, the D3 established a new level of professional performance in terms of overall image quality, extraordinarily low noise, ISO sensitivity range, continuous high-speed shooting, color gradation, image crispness, durability, weather-resistant operation, system versatility and more.

The new D700 incorporates an extensive array of features that boast a level of performance that is in many ways comparable to the D3. At the same time, it derives a wide range of benefits – including functionality, flexibility and operability – from the more agile D300, Nikon's flagship DX-format D-SLR."

So what does all this mean in english?
Basically Nikon have taken their nice full frame sensor from the D3, along with its management software and built it in to a Nikon D300 SLR. Unfortunately the announcement is lacking any serious detail, but it does include a reasonable spec list. Comparing the D300 and D3 with the D700, there's some nice D3 functionality included with the D700.

Along with giving you a full 35mm equivalent sensor, you'll get up to an impressive ISO 25600. A feature that's been highly praised in the Nikon D3. You also get the "Virtual Horizon" HUD like system that somehow missed being included with the D300, but made it in to the D3. The D700 (like the D3) will also "auto crop" the sensor for DX only (24 x 16) lenses. A big plus for those upgrading rather than buying from scratch. Like the D300, the D700 will also be compatible with the MB-D10 battery grip. Not only improving handling, but with the right battery set up giving you 8 frames per second shooting. (Also another potential plus for those upgrading.)

It doesn't look like Nikon have updated the live view modes available which is a shame as they are comparatively a bit slack. Also it appears they haven't included the duel compact flash capability of the D3. Something I sorely wish was included with the D300. Most likely a result of the Nikon intending to use the D300 body for the D700 and simple space issues. (Although thats not confirmed in the release.)

Some companies are now taking orders for around $3,000.00 USD, with a supposed expected ship date of the end of this month.
Time will tell if this actually happens or not. (I doubt it.)

So buy a Nikon D300 or D700?
Putting price aside, (and assuming Nikon doesn't quickly drop the D300 all together) its really going to depend on your needs and style of photography. If you shoot a lot of low light situations then its a no brainer. The D700's ISO 25,600 easily trumps the D300. Also those who shoot a lot of wide field scenes will want the D700. The full frame sensor means you'll actually be able to get that 8mm out of your new fish eye. Conversely if you photograph a lot of wildlife and need telephoto capabilities then the D300 should be considered. The D300's crop factor giving you an effective 600mm out your 400mm long lens.

Will I be upgrading to a D700?
Unlikely. It will be a big chunk of change to drop for relatively little extra. Thats money I can spend on things like a new T/S lens. Once you've got a good camera, (and the D300 is a very good camera), then its almost always better to spend cash on new glass rather than upgrading. That said I do look forward to reading the D700 reviews when they come out.

Ref Nikon's announcement : http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2008/0701_d700_01.htm.

Nikon has now included the D700 camera in its line up on their main website : http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d700/index.htm.

Photo info.
I couldn't post and not put up a new picture. Its another one from my last trip to Madison, WI. Its a self portrait taken on a pontoon on Lake Monona at night. The technique for this type of shot is real simple. Set up your camera for a 30 second night exposure. Click the shutter then walk out in to frame and stay still till you hear the shutter close. I like the ethereal feeling this photo has. Photographed with my Nikon D300 digital SLR. :-)

Photograph Information
Image Description:	Self portrait on Lake Monona, Wisconson USA.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	1st June 2008.
Focal Length:	18mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	27mm	Aperture:	f/4.5
White Balance:	Manual	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	30 seconds
Light Source:	Incandescent	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Converted from RAW using Nikon ViewNX. Post editing with The Gimp.
Accessories Utilised:	Velbon DX tripod, Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Nikon lens hood, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Photographer Comments:	None.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR DX lens.
Model Credit:	Glen Webber.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2008. All rights reserved.

Thats all for now,
G/

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Lightning and church picture

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:23:43 +1200

Lightning photography v1.0.

[lightning and church photo]

I've tried so many times to get a photograph of lightning that I've actually lost count.
Before a week ago, I'd succeeded in getting a grand total of 2 frames with actual lightning.
Twice in the past week there have been great storm sets come rumbling through Madison.
I've had a lot more changes to get a good shot and now have a total of about 10 photos showing lightning.

This is the first of a few Lightning pictures I'm going to post in the next few days.
So this is lightning v1.0. It was taken on the square by the capital last Sunday night.
One second exposure. Nikon D300 DSLR camera, tripod mounted.
More to come.

GCN warning: Another picture that was edited on a badly calibrated laptop monitor.
So I may need to correct at a later date...

Photograph Information
Image Description:	Lightning above church in Madison Wisconsin USA.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	26th May 2008.
Focal Length:	18mm	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	27mm	Aperture:	f/3.5
White Balance:	Auto	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1 second.
Light Source:	N/A	Metering Mode:	Spot.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Converted from RAW using Nikon ViewNX. Post editing with The Gimp 2.4.
Accessories Utilised:	Velbon DX tripod, Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Nikon lens hood, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Photographer Comments:	None.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR DX lens.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2008. All rights reserved.

CYas,
G/

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Monona Terrace entrance in HDR

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:15:35 +1200

High dynamic range - Monona Terrace.

[Monona Terrace photographed in HDR]

Heres a straight forward photograph of the entrance to Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin.
The difference this time is its my first serious attempt at HDR, High Dynamic Range photography.
I'm pretty happy with the result. There is actually 12 exposures combined to get this shot.

Images used taken using the Nikon D300 digital SLR and required tripod.

GCN warning: While I am happy with HDR v1.0. This picture was edited on a badly calibrated laptop monitor.
So I may need to correct at a later date.

CYas,
G/

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Thoughts or opinion? leave a comment below, by clicking the comments link.

Taranaki coast at night with drilling rig in background

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:37:46 +1200

Photograph of the Taranaki coast at night. (Including Oil Rig.)

[Taranaki coast at night]

Quick night-time photograph of the Taranaki coast at night.
The bight lights on the horizon are a drilling rig of some sort.
Taken outside of Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand this weekend with my Nikon D300 camera.

GCN news: There will be more this week. So stay tuned.
Also I've been playing with HDR. Which is loads of fun. We'll see what comes of it.
Lastly does this picture look crooked to anyone else?

CYas,
G/

Like my photos? Follow me on twitter @glen_co_nz.

Auckland Cityscape In Colour

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:18:37 +1200

Auckland cityscape in colour at night.

[Auckland cityscape in colour]

Photograph of the Auckland cityscape at night using my D300 DSLR camera. Complete with Sky tower in yellow.
Photo's a 30 second exposure taken not far away from where my black & white Auckland at night shot was taken in '07.

You can checkout another Auckland night time long exposure photograph.

Also see my complete long exposure photography section.

GCN news: Stay tuned folks. There might be an update this weekend.
Wow!

:-)
G/

Playing With Lasers Again

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:25:52 +1200

Electric pillow, or playing with lasers again.

[electric pillow picture]

While playing on the weekend, I pulled out the green laser again.
Using a long exposure at night I was able to create this little bit of fun.

Tip:
I was able to keep the colour in the picture by leaving the lights in the room on for the first couple of seconds of the exposure.
Then I just killed the lights and painted the pillow with the laser as per normal...
Pic taken with my D300 DSLR of course...

See also my earlier photograph resulting from me playing with a green laser and a chess set.

Anyway thats it for today,
CYa's.
G/

More Auckland at night

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:50:51 +1300

Another Auckland at night photo for your enjoyment.

Here's another night time shot from Auckland.
... one of those days, so yes its a repost.

3 second exposure with my FujiFilm S5600 digital camera at ISO 64.
Photograph taken in April 2007.
Repost #8 of ~~20.

I hope everyone has a great and safe long weekend. Take it easy on the roads ah!
More on Tuesday, unless before.
G/

Auckland at night again

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:53:00 +1300

Long exposure from Auckland's motorway.

And for the 3rd time running a repost.

This is a simple 15 second long exposure taken with my old FujiFilm S5600 digital camera.
The colouring is partly due to chrome settings.
Basically a variation on the same theme shown in my long exposure of Auckland's cityscape.
Photograph taken in May 2007. (I think.)

Repost #5 of ~~20.

Till tomorrow,
G/

Showing movement in pictures

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:48:06 +1300

Movement in photos.

So I was out playing with the Nikon SLR this weekend.
One of the ideas I was toying with, was that of showing movement in photos.
Its a lot easier said than done. Especially as a tripod is a must, and I didn't have one with me.

I did however manage to get this little shot which is an ok start.
Rather than a normal 1/800th of second as you might try, its a 1/6th of a second.
Hand held as well. Go the Nikkor VR!

Photo itself is taken out at North Head, Auckland using the Nikon D300 digital camera.

See I said there would be new pics as well as reposts.

CYas,
G/

Auckland Cityscape At Night

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:35:37 +1300

Auckland city at night in black and white.

So I couldn't be bothered editing a photo for today. Also its about time I started getting up some of the pictures that used to be posted on www.glen.co.nz back up.

This is a long exposure cityscape photograph of Auckland in black & white.
Its amazing, but this one of the most popular photo's I've ever taken.

You can also check out my colour Auckland cityscape photo, taken not far away from where this one was shot.

Photo taken 2007 with my Fuji digital camera.

This is repost pic #1 of ~~ 20.
Don't worry there will new photographs coming also.

Laters,
G/

Muriwai at night

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:34:40 +1300

The Muriwai coast at night.

I didn't take a lot of photo's this weekend. So I started looking at what I had sitting around on disk ...
I found this little odd ball shot taken on the same night I shot this long exposure of the Muriwai rocks at night.

The neat thing about this long exposure is its an accidental shot. I had the camera (my Nikon D300 digital SRL)sitting on a fence post and it still had the same settings from earlier that night. Fiddling round in the dark I bumped the shutter release and just left it to take the shot. I never expected much out of it, and it was so out of alignment I'd never bothered looking at it before today. Bonus!

CYas,
G/

As seen on several flags

nospam@example.com (Glen) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:39:53 +1300

The Southern Cross viewed from Auckland, New Zealand.

Simple little shot of the Southern Cross (Crux) and the pointers.
You can see clouds illuminated by city glow in the bottom right of the photograph.
I want to do lots more astro-photography. So this is a nice simply little start.

It will be interesting to see how well I can get the Nikon D300 digital SLR camera to work in this regard.

Learn more on the Crux Wikipedia page.

Enjoy,
G/