My Christmas Tree exploded!

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

bunnylady said:
Love the shots, Zoo!! I've never seen that done before. =)

Thanks Steph!

What I did was, put the camera on a tripod. Set the ISO to 50 so I could leave the shutter open longer. I used a 28-135 Lens. I focussed the lens at the tree at 135mm. I switched the focus to manual. Used the timer, once the shutter opened, I quickly zoomed back to 28mm and let it sit for the duration of the open shutter so the tree would be clear.

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

MartynLyon said:
changing the focal length during the exposure.....

Exactly, thanks Martin.

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

Burlof said:
wow that is awesome

Thanks Michelle, glad you liked them.

)

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

Cedric Simon said:
Hello,
I used the technique once here
( http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/France/photo258857.htm )
but I don't know if it is better to zoom in or out ...

Nice pic, thanks for posting, you can zoom in or out with different results. The best to do is try it and see which you prefer.

)

Cedric Simon said:
I cannot remember how I did it (it was my first and only try !)

Plus, how did you exactly proceed for the last image with flash ?

Actually I didn't use any flash. I just metered for the scene, while using a low ISO to make sure the shutter would be open for a bit. A lower aperture would do the same thing. But I figured a lower ISO would be better for less noise while the shutter was open.

Cedric Simon said:
Really nice effect when mastered !

Some day.....

)

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

Rob_Drebel said:
Are you sure that the last one was not done with changing the focal
length? Doesn't seem like it since the xmas tree is clear & the
same size throughout the exposrure, just the lights jump out.

Yup, check my response to Bunnylady to see what I did.

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

Rob_Drebel said:
Typo, should have written 'Are you sure that the last one WAS done
with only changing the focal length?'

Seems like another method (Photoshop or some double exposure
effect) since again the tree is to crisp.

Just leave it at one focal length long enough and it will be clear. Just remember, taking a picture is all about capturing light. So when it is sitting at one focal length for a period of time, it is just collecting more light and info about the scene.

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

caldwell said:
dude - that's cool. how did you do that effect? if you don't mind
sharing your secrets, that is.

Hey no secrets here. Just check my response to Bunnylady in this thread for my explanation. If you have any trouble, just ask.

)

Thanks!

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

deepak rao said:
Hope that was shot with your 350D ;-)

Now don't start that again Deepak!

P

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

Fahro said:
WoW! Cool effect! I like also number 3 best! Where you folks get
those ideas from? )

Thanks Fahro. I get my ideas from all of you guys/gals in here and other places on the net.

Thanks!

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

lord vetinari said:
Great ideas and execution Jody

Thanks Brian. Have to do something while waiting patiently for the winter to leave. (or the Owls to show up!

)

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Zoo Dad · Dec 16, 2005

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

)

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

deepak rao · Dec 16, 2005

--
Regards,

Deepak

http://www.rnhinfo.com/Photographs

skiamigo · Dec 16, 2005

Hope you were wearing safety goggles!!!
--
Thats my 2.4 cents worth (canadian $$)
Chris in Ottawa CANADA
--
' Every picture tells a story don't it?' (Rod Stewart)

Rob_Drebel · Dec 16, 2005

Thanks for your response.

I tried it before I read your last email and they turned out OK, but I was doing it in reverse of your suggestions (started at 28 and zoom in). I tried one with the tripod a little loose and it added the swirls at the end in the first photo (all ISO 100), but also the 28-135IS lens (IS off). All the shots the tree is not clear, but from your instructions, I see why now.

See my linked pictures @:
http://www.pbase.com/rob_drebel/warped_christmas
I like the last one best.

Thanks

Zoo Dad · Dec 17, 2005

Rob_Drebel said:
Thanks for your response.

You're welcome.

Rob_Drebel said:
I tried it before I read your last email and they turned out OK,
but I was doing it in reverse of your suggestions (started at 28
and zoom in). I tried one with the tripod a little loose and it
added the swirls at the end in the first photo (all ISO 100), but
also the 28-135IS lens (IS off). All the shots the tree is not
clear, but from your instructions, I see why now.

Ya I have the same lens. Your pic looks kinda cool with the swirlies.

)

Rob_Drebel said:
See my linked pictures @:
http://www.pbase.com/rob_drebel/warped_christmas
I like the last one best.

Thanks

--
Jody Melanson
Capturer of God's Creations.
CATS Member > ^..^
http://www.pbase.com/jody_melanson

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

Coffeegirl · Dec 17, 2005

Well taking photos of my tree last night in poor light and well christmas trees are all a bit boring for me atm so I remembered this thread and had a go at it. Coming back now I actually like Jody's last attempt where you can see the setting too but you seem to have a nice setting surrounding your tree there so it works well. I have a window and blinds behind my tree so probably not as appealing.

--
Michelle
---------------------------------
Through my Lens
http://canon350.blogspot.com/

Coffeegirl · Dec 17, 2005

wow Patti - gorgeous!!!
--
Michelle
---------------------------------
Through my Lens
http://canon350.blogspot.com/

weirmg · Dec 17, 2005

...and that's why is is so important to keep your tree watered -- I do mine on a daily basis to prevent fire and the unfortunately circumstance which I saw in your pics...

Also, I can bet you can prevent this if you would not keep your shutter open when zooming the lens -- that really should have been a warning witht he camera...

Coffeegirl · Dec 17, 2005

Hey Rob, they are GREAT !!!!
Huuuge tree too!
--
Michelle
---------------------------------
Through my Lens
http://canon350.blogspot.com/

Rob_Drebel · Dec 18, 2005

Thanks.

I still want to get out and do some outdoor Xmas trees at night, but the weather in IL is COLD and where I usually shoot pics (chicago Botanical Gardens) is not having it this year because of construction).

My Christmas Tree exploded!

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Forum Enthusiast

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Senior Member

Leading Member

Forum Enthusiast

Keyboard shortcuts