Torchlight Descent / Fireworks

[Kwcmau]

Hi

I'm trying to take some good shots of a torchlight descent at a ski resort (basically, a lot of skiers hold torches (like the Olympic Flame torches) and ski down a run into the village).

My previous attempt resulted in pretty much useless shots, as not only is there insufficient light, but together with movement meant that long exposure is pretty much pointless unless you want light trails.

I'm now thinking that there really isn't much one can do since even with a low aperture and high ISO, the shutter speed needs to be high enough to freeze movement but obviously means insufficient light into the sensor.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

I guess that's similar to photographying fireworks (although lighting is generally better at firework displays).

K

 

[desantnik]

Its a tricky juggling act. Presumably you want some detail of the participants and maybe even something of the landscape lit up by the torches.

That means you have uber bright torches, half lit people and subtly lit landscape - something has to give!

Focusing of course is the other problem, more than likely it will present difficulty.

Its very similar to trying to shoot night motorsport actually, basically bloody hard.

You don't say which camera you have, but I suggest that without something with really good low light *focusing* you will struggle. A d700 or d3 would probably be the weapon of choice here.

Failing that, try manual mode, max aperture and max ISO you are comfortable with and keep nudging the shutter until the exposure looks right - if you can, try finding a static subject to get the settings right on - a friend holding a battery torch lighting their face would probably do. Once you have the settings, blat away. Shoot in raw to allow some pull back for when you get it wrong.

It is hard, you might not get it first time and may need to learn and try again next year.

 

[hunter20ga]

Are there any flat spots or slow spots on the course where skiers will be moving their slowest? It might not be much but could help lessen subject blur due to movement. Also..any place where the course is better lit...street lights or whatever? Arsenal you shooting RAW where you might have a bit more play in post processing to bring out detail? Sorry...not much help I guess. Use the fastest lens and shortest that will give you the shot you want. High magnification comes at a cost of minimizing available light gathered by the lens.

 

[AndWhyNot]

Get one in the foreground, staged for you. Use a flash to freeze them, then let the trails burn through in the background on long exposure. Either that or a D3s and Nikkor 24mm f/1.4 and get panning