Whut I lernt and how

[Saycheese]

On a vacation in Door County, WI, I decided to try to learn a few things about camera settings and shooting sunset pics. I set up a tripod and started taking images with as many different settings as I could, with the intent of seeing how aperture, shutter speed, focal length, exposure offset, and camera modes (Av, Tv, manual) affected the result. I got about 150 shots. I saw how the changing light affected things. Using a positive exposure offset gave me some of the best results, I think due to the metering challenges associated with shooting into the sun. I know I still have alot to learn. Your tips and comments are welcome.

I was using a Canon 30D with a 24-70mm F2.8L

Coupla examples:

[attachment=33358:attachment]
[attachment=33359:attachment]

 

[foulshot]

What metering mode were you using?

 

[Saycheese]

The first shot is partial metering (center weighted), the second shot was using evaluative metering mode. A few were taken in spot metering mode, which gave some interesting results, depending on what part of the sky I metered on.

SC

 

[Hideandwatch]

Nice shots Saycheese. Maybe this will help out for those wanting to know your settings. I found the exif data was still in the first uploaded image.

 

[Lan-Lord]

nice shots Saycheese! That is the best way that I figured out settings and my camera when it was new. Just dial through all of the settings and then evaluate them later.

One trick that I like to do with sunrises/sunsets, is to shoot them when the sun is very low or even below the horizon. I find that I can get some awesome colors. But you definitely have to use a tripod, because the shutter speed will need to slow down to 1sec or more in order to get enough light.. but it's worth it!

This is a recent sunset photo, taken after a day of catching redfish.
shutter priority @2.5 seconds, f/10, ISO100

[attachment=33365:attachment]

BTW, how do you like that 24-70, 2.8L ?? Its heavy.. but FAST, and worth every ounce (and $$) in my opinion. That is my primary lens for all around shooting. (not including wildlife)

 

[clutchkiller]

Nice pictures Saycheese and Lan-lord!

 

[Saycheese]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lan-lord @ Sep 19 2006, 10:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

BTW, how do you like that 24-70, 2.8L ?? Its heavy.. but FAST, and worth every ounce (and $$) in my opinion. That is my primary lens for all around shooting. (not including wildlife)[/b]

Ya, that lens is awesome. Alas, I only get to borrow it once in a while. It belongs to my #2 son. My primary walkabout lens is an EFS 17-85mm IS. Though not an L lens, I like it alot. And, it's much lighter and more compact than the 24-70. I also have a 70-200 1:4L. I bought it from my son when he upgraded to the f2.8 IS version (which is wicked awesome!).

SC