Jan9.2016-12
Jan, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This 30 second exposure photo was taken from the observation deck of Bayioke Sky Tower in Bangkok.Time
This photo I had wanted to take for months. I knew of Bayioke towers and the great lookoff over the city but like many decks I have been to before, I was unsure how I would stabilize my camera and get a clear shot. I arrived at sunset which was stunning, but I really wanted the night shot. I circled the deck looking for the best composition when it occurred to me that I would have to angle my camera through the metal fencing and place my camera on the ledge using a small pocket tripod. The issue for me was I failed to bring a camera strap meaning I had to leave the camera unattached. And not wanting camera shake I could not hold the camera. I can tell you every 30 second exposure my heart nearly pounded out of my chest. And I took 8 photos. The shot above was taken 90 minutes after sunset, 7:45pm, January 10th, 2016Lighting
I wanted the traffic flow to really pop against the darkness of the city but the lights from traffic not be too bright. I underexposed the shot intentionally, to keep the shadows darker. And with strong pops of light in your shot, and to maintain clarity, I never adjust my iso above 100. Instead, I take a longer exposure.Equipment
Shot with a Canon 70d, using canon 10-18mm f4.5 I used a small pocket tripod to stabilize and a shutter release for 30 second exposure. f stop 8, 30 sec exp, iso 100Inspiration
I had recently attempted to photograph the New Year's Eve fireworks and photographing at night. After googling night shots of Bangkok I noticed the Bayioke towers photo and instantly put it on my "must do list". I read a little about night photography online and Bayioke was my first stop after arriving to Bangkok.Editing
I did a little post processing in lightroom. I adjusted he shadows down, and brought the highlight up slightly. I also calibrated and strengthened the clarity. And lastly I may have adjusted the temperature making it just a little warmer.In my camera bag
I carry Canon 70d and Canon 5d mark iii. I use the wide angle 10-18mm on the 70d and 28mm prime f2.8 and 100-400mm f4.5 ii telephoto. I also carry small tabletop tripod (pocket) and Manfrotto xprob tripod. I always bring 2 canon 430 ex ii flashes, shutter release cable, 16 stop ND filter, polarizerFeedback
The best advice I can give when trying to photograph cities from high above at night is research. I have been to many places where tripods are not allowed (Empire State Building, NYC) or the lookoff is not open air, so you have to shoot through glass (Burj Khalifa, Dubai). Just be sure to know where your going and the limitations that you want to prepare for. To get a shot like this, long exposure is required and with that your camera must not be touched and completely stabilized. Tripod is a must and always iso 100!!!
