Night photography help

[jimmy83]

Evening all, iam having some trouble with some basic night photography.

Iam trying to achive this shot... http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=194448 set it all out but once I try to fire a shot off the lens isnt working correctly...it seems to focus ok but doesnt take a shot

Ive tried shotting at various places, still not having any joy.

Could someone explain why iam having difficulties?

 

[sheddy]

Turn the auto-focus off, put the camera in manual and after that it's trial and error!

 

[jimmy83]

Turn the auto-focus off, put the camera in manual and after that it's trial and error!

Ah so I just need to switch it to manual focus? How do you figure out if the shot is in focus ***-or cant you?

 

[markw08]

If the lens whirls but will not fire, means the camera is unable to focus....

A quick way in a dark room, is to use a torch to light the object.
Auto focus on this area, then switch to manual focus...

Obviously this will be tripod mounted to keep distance static...

Shoot about F16 in Bulb mode....

 

[On the Huh]

Ah so I just need to switch it to manual focus? How do you figure out if the shot is in focus ***-or cant you?

Light the subject with whatever you have available, torches, video light etc., manual focus with your eyes or as said above, auto-focus then once it is spot on carefully change to manual-focus. Turn out the lights which enabled you to set your focus. Now set the exposure as reccommended in the link and start practising. Good luck and don't burn yourself

 

[jimmy83]

Thanks people

When ive done some night trails, iam sure I didnt change to MF ***...hmmmm

 

[AndWhyNot]

Light the subject with whatever you have available, torches, video light etc.

Good advice

If your torch isn't bright enough to light your subject from where your camera is positioned buy a new torch, pop your torch where you want the focus point to be and focus on the torch.

Remember to switch AF off once focused.