How would I photograph 'sky lanterns'?

posiview

posiview

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Andy
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Hi, just bought a few sky lanterns for my daughter :D and I'm still in the, "I have to photograph everything" stage.

I'll be using them when it's dark and would appreciate any advise on camera setttings, any ideas on how to shoot them.

Just seen a few on Flickr and like the idea of trying to get a light trail for one of them.

Thanks in advance.
 
If you want trails then a long exposure on a tripod is the way, it's easy for them to get lost in your photo though.
 
I have shot them a few times and the light trail doesn't work very well. The greatest part of these lantern is the awe and wonder on the faces of those lighting them just before they rise into the sky.

Try not to be close to any alternative light sources and don't use any flash. Use a wide apperture (f1.8-f4 depending on the lens). Try to use a low shutter spead 1/20 or lower but obviously the lower you go the more steady you have to be. Tripods would be ideal but I have found that you have to adjust your shot quickly that that they get in the way. Finally have your ISO at least set to 400 (if using a 450D, 550D, etc) or 800 if using something like a 5D. You still want to avoid excessive noise in your shot.

When you shoot don't wait until they are in the air. Shooting the process of your kids lighting it and then watching their eyes as they begin to float can be magical. I would also doing a few shots with a wide angle lens and a tripod with a slightly longer exposure.

Have fun!
 
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Ruhan said:
I have shot them a few times and the light trail doesn't work very well. The greatest part of these lantern is the awe and wonder on the faces of those lighting them just before they rise into the sky.

Try not to be close to any alternative light sources and don't use any flash. Use a narrow apperture (f.18-f4 depending on the lens). Try to use a low shutter spead 1/20 or lower but obviously the lower you go the more steady you have to be. Tripods would be ideal but I have found that you have to adjust your shot quickly that that they get in the way. Finally have your ISO at least set to 400 (if using a 450D, 550D, etc) or 800 if using something like a 5D. You still want to avoid excessive noise in your shot.

When you shoot don't wait until they are in the air. Shooting the process of your kids lighting it and then watching their eyes as they begin to float can be magical. I would also doing a few shots with a wide angle lens and a tripod with a slightly longer exposure.

Have fun!
Click to expand...

What he said :) plus just keep shooting and chimping to check. I am going to be shooting some on Saturday night for the first time, Will be interested to see how your pics turn out :)
 
Ruhan said:
I have shot them a few times and the light trail doesn't work very well. The greatest part of these lantern is the awe and wonder on the faces of those lighting them just before they rise into the sky.

Try not to be close to any alternative light sources and don't use any flash. Use a narrow apperture (f.18-f4 depending on the lens). Try to use a low shutter spead 1/20 or lower but obviously the lower you go the more steady you have to be. Tripods would be ideal but I have found that you have to adjust your shot quickly that that they get in the way. Finally have your ISO at least set to 400 (if using a 450D, 550D, etc) or 800 if using something like a 5D. You still want to avoid excessive noise in your shot.

When you shoot don't wait until they are in the air. Shooting the process of your kids lighting it and then watching their eyes as they begin to float can be magical. I would also doing a few shots with a wide angle lens and a tripod with a slightly longer exposure.

Have fun!
Click to expand...

Great tips there.

Especially about getting some shots with my daugher looking/holding/releasing the lantern.

Thanks..
 
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Jimmy_Lemon said:
What he said :) plus just keep shooting and chimping to check. I am going to be shooting some on Saturday night for the first time, Will be interested to see how your pics turn out :)
Click to expand...

Bit of competition, eh...:bat:

I have 3 lanterns so I'll have to be prepared...

I had to find out what the heck chimping was. Great description and something I'll do.

Be prepared to be (lightly) dazzled!
 
posiview said:
Bit of competition, eh...:bat:

I have 3 lanterns so I'll have to be prepared...

I had to find out what the heck chimping was. Great description and something I'll do.

Be prepared to be (lightly) dazzled!
Click to expand...


ooo well we have a box of 10 :p more chances for me to cock it up I think :D
 
I'm the same, a good 4 or 5 coffees to wake me up. :D
 
Just be carefull not to let anyone get the stuff that burns dripping on them, it burns like hell.

:D
 
Be ace to see some pics guys. Where did you get the lanterns from?
 
http://www.3000rpm.com/cgi-bin/sh00...Y_LANTERNS.html#a1_21SKY_2d002#a1_21SKY_2d002

Don't know which is bigger, the balloon or my gut LOL.

22471_1321259148833_1151457340_30983472_6634851_n.jpg
 
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Here's one I did a few weeks ago

4732220261_663868f54e_b.jpg


Taken in RAW, F2.8, 1/60s, ISO 3200 (high setting on my 40D)
Noise removed in PSP X3
 
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