I went out tonight for my first attempt at night photography (of any kind). It was certainly a learning experience -- I tried everything I could think of but I think I hit my head against the limits of my knowledge & equipment. I managed to post-process one to the point where I was satisfied enough to submit for the monthly contest, a few of the others ended-up in my gallery.

Any tips or suggestions -- even what equipment to buy (I have a Canon 300D camera, but I think I went too cheap on the flash ) that might help would be greatly appreciated. I learned that my tripod: 1) Is too flimsy, 2) Doesn't go down low enough, 3) Doesn't go up high enough. I've been thinking of replacing it anyway, this may be what moves that item to the top of the list.

 

Nice work for first time.
I especially like this one . . .


The others seems to have other distractions. This last one has the least.
You might try taking out that sign in the background, just above the driver-side headlamp, along with the two light poles next to it. There's also an odd bit of light on one of the window panes on the buliding. It looks to big to be noise.

I can't wait to see more!

 

Non of your photos have EXIF data on them. Can you give us an idea of what kind of shutter times and aperture you were using?

 

Here is what you can do with that image with a little bit of time.
I hope you don't mind.

 

Don't mind at all. I like to see what others can do with my picts.

 

See attached screen shots of EXIF data. The ones posted just all happen to be the RAW-mode ones that I shot. I think the EXIF data was stripped when I saved to TIF before working on them.

 

EXIF
I would try lengthening out the exposure time and either not firing the flash or, not firing the flash from the hotshoe (i.e. off camera - in your case by just hitting the flash test button). You will probably have the shutter open for several seconds and that will give you an opportunity to fire off multiple flash bursts. You'll have to experiment with it.

RAW to TIFF
What are you using for your RAW conversion?

Tripod
For a tripod, check out this thread: Tripod Advice
I wound up with a Bogen 3221 and a Bogen 488RC4 quick release ball head (both available through B&H). I have been very happy with both of those. The tripod is very stable and has provision to get quite low to the ground. I also like the ball head and the quick release plate.

 

I'm using the Canon provided software for the RAW conversion. I'm using an older version of PhotoShop for everything else.

I am definitely in the market for a new tripod. I'll check out your suggestion.

Thanks for the tips.

 

I ended-up ordering some new toys late last night! Next on the list will be a remote control so I don't have to physically press the shutter making it easier for long exposures. B&H (you heard about their warehouse fire, right? ) has already shipped and I should be receiving this early next week.

Lowepro LOMAWB Magnum AW Camera Shoulder Bag

Hoya HOND4U72 72mm Neutral Density (ND) 4x Ultra (Thin) HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) Glass Filter (I have a 2x in my wish list but it wasn't available at this time)

Tiffen TICP72WA 72mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter Wide-Angle

Gitzo GIG2220 G2220 Explorer Alumimum 3 Section Tripod/Rapid Column

Bogen / Manfrotto BO488RC0 488RC0 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect