Advice Please?! - Northern Lights / Star Trails

klc_001

klc_001

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Kristy
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Evening All :wave:

I'm off to Lapland in a couple of weeks time, and while I'm there, would love to take advantage of the lack of ambient light to have a go at some shots of star trails or (if I'm lucky enough to see them) the ever-elusive northern lights.

I've always struggled with night shots, and just can't seem to get the balance right. They're either too dark, or let too much ambient light in! Please can anyone advise me on what settings to try? I know I need to start with a slower shutter speed, but what aperture / ISO should I try, and auto white balance or something else? :thinking:

I have a 400d, with kit lens, 50mm 1.8 or 70-300 to pick from, and will remember to pack the all important tripod!!

Thanks in advance for your help! :)
Cheers
Kristy
 
Oooo - that's brilliant - thank you!
 
Soooooo.....while I'm composing my packing list (yes, I AM that sad!) any ideas on those essential items that I mustn't forget (and I've already written down batteries and CF cards :lol:) ??
 
For the Northern Lights, make sure you remove any lens filter. It will mess up the photo. One of the links from the link above does mention it.
 
klc_001 said:
Evening All :wave:

I'm off to Lapland in a couple of weeks time, and while I'm there, would love to take advantage of the lack of ambient light to have a go at some shots of star trails or (if I'm lucky enough to see them) the ever-elusive northern lights.

I've always struggled with night shots, and just can't seem to get the balance right. They're either too dark, or let too much ambient light in! Please can anyone advise me on what settings to try? I know I need to start with a slower shutter speed, but what aperture / ISO should I try, and auto white balance or something else? :thinking:

I have a 400d, with kit lens, 50mm 1.8 or 70-300 to pick from, and will remember to pack the all important tripod!!

Thanks in advance for your help! :)
Cheers
Kristy
Click to expand...

To get your started, this is one i took a few weeks ago, more of an experiment outside (where i could safely leave the camera and go into the warm!) before I find a more "interesting" location.

Did a few shots but this came out the best

Used manual mode, white balance on auto, Bulb mode, remote lockable shutter release (essential!) ISO100 f5.0 15min exposure, 15 mins is long enough to get to get a good amount of trail imo, think you need around 45 mins to get a full "circle" if thats the effect your going for, but might be an idea to do some testing first before you get to somewhere where you want a good shot first time!

i kept my 20d in a camera bag covered up with a blanket with the lens poking out for this shot, as it was just above freezing outside at the time and i wasn't sure how the cold would affect the batterys!

4194180215_07bea05659_d.jpg

Large Size

Oh and the yellow line isn't a plane or shooting star as I first thought, it's a washing line!

Hope this helps, Good luck!

Chris
 
Hey Kristy, I'm off on Sunday to the fiords & the ice hotel for a Northern Lights trip.

Can't afford a Canon 10-22 UWA lens cos I reckon that would be the bees knees for the lights on a tripod. But I will post anything that works with the full EXIF, if it helps.

BTW 15mins is a tad long for the lights ;¬)
 
That's brilliant - thank you so much all!

MisterE - will remember that - thank you!

csedgbeer - gorgeous photo - just what I'm wanting to achieve - thanks for the tips on settings - will give it a go!

Mad Badger - it would be great to see your shots - and the EXIF appreciated!

wired remote with lockable switch arrived today - hurrah!
 
Hi Kristy,
if it was me trying to take star trails etc., I would use your kit lens (18-55) at 18 mm. Camera on manual set to maybe f4 (as DOF at infinity isn't relevant), use the cameras timer at 15, 20,30 secs (on a tripod with a remote release of course). I would use iso 800.
The problem that you will have will be focus. So you must focus the lens on a bright object first, then switch the lens to manual and make sure it's not disturbed (some people tape it down to prevent movement).
You will be able to test all of this out in your own back garden, and I recommend that you do so you will have confidence in your settings for the real event.
Good luck and don't forget to post your pictures on your return!
 
mbscad said:
Hi Kristy,
if it was me trying to take star trails etc., I would use your kit lens (18-55) at 18 mm. Camera on manual set to maybe f4 (as DOF at infinity isn't relevant), use the cameras timer at 15, 20,30 secs (on a tripod with a remote release of course). I would use iso 800.
The problem that you will have will be focus. So you must focus the lens on a bright object first, then switch the lens to manual and make sure it's not disturbed (some people tape it down to prevent movement).
You will be able to test all of this out in your own back garden, and I recommend that you do so you will have confidence in your settings for the real event.
Good luck and don't forget to post your pictures on your return!
Click to expand...

Thank you! :)

I'll give it a try - and if successful will post the result :D
 
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