Bokeh Stencil

Bokeh stencils are creative and interesting if you can master the concept...

Equipment:  Scissors, paper Christmas lights or something similar...A fast Lens if possible, (Eg: 50mm f1.8) Or you can just use a large focal length (Eg: 100mm f5.6)

Method: Cut a small hole or shape in a piece of paper (Approx 1cm in size) place this paper over the top of the lens. Turn the camera to manual mode and switch the lens to Manual Focus. You can focus on a subject in the foreground but the important thing is to render the lights in the background out of focus.

Before Bokeh: 

After:

CD Lights

This technique I learnt from a youtube tutorial video and just thought i would share it with you...


Equipment=  A CD (preferably blank), Camera with long shutter speed capability, Tripod, something to apply water droplets to the back of the disk, a Torch or portable light source, Also a cable release if possible is handy to prevent camera shake.

Method: Set the camera up facing down on the overturned disk that you carefully dripped water on, then whilst lighting is good, set your focus then switch to manual focus to avoid AF. Turn off all lights and make sure you are in a dark area (long exposure can easily lead to over exposure).


Set the camera to 'Manual' mode and stop the aperture down to the largest number (Eg: f22-29) and set your shutter speed to "BULB". Trigger your shutter then move your torch/lights source around and above the water covered disk. (Standard exposure time can be around 10-30 seconds or as desired)

Results:

Any Questions? Please ask...

The stars

This is one of my new favorite night shots!
Shooting the stars requires nice clear weather, (which Albany usually lacks) but once in a while when the sky is clear and there is no wind, you can face your camera to the sky and shoot something like this!

 

Above is shot with cable release for 10 Minutes and 10 Seconds.

Below was shot with cable release for 20 Minutes and 20 Seconds.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMP.

Albany Gateway is hosting a photography competition in search of a photo/s fitting the category "Great Southern Life"

Prizes available:
Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First prize: $400 plus Albany Camera House voucher of $149
Second prize: $200 plus Albany Camera House voucher of $99
Third prize: $100 plus Albany Camera House voucher of $100
Fourth prize: $60 plus Albany Camera House voucher of $100
Eight encouragement awards: $30 each
Two people’s choice awards: $50 each (Albany GateWAy)

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Entry in the Great Southern People on the Go Digital Photography Competition is free.
Submitted photographs must be taken in the Great Southern region and be less than two years old...

If you would like to enter, the conditions of entry can be found from the link below OR if you would just like to register and vote for my photos, that would be wicked :) haha

Best of luck to all who enter!


Click here to view the Albany gateway album!

High ISO and long shutter speeds

When shooting with long shutter speeds, a tripod is almost essential. When you use a tripod it is best to remember to turn OFF Image stabilizer. I also recommend trying different ISO's to archived your desired exposure.

When shooting with high ISO, you may want to go into custom settings on your camera and turn ON 'long exposure noise reduction' but in turn will take twice as long as you shutter speed to process you photo. Eg: You have a shutter speed of 30 seconds, This means you will have to wait 30 seconds to capture your shot, then another 30 seconds for the photo to finish processing and saving and you cannot take another photo in this processing period.

RESULTS:

STARS AND STRIPES