Night Shot Question

[metoliusdmm]

I want to take some night shots of a highway that winds through a canyon near my house. I am not sure how to do it though. I want to do a long exposure. But how long is ling enough to get a really neat effect. Do i need to use my Nuetral Density filter. What aperature should i be using, Stuff like that let me know if you ahve done one. I would love to get any help i can, Thanks

Devin

[another view]

Official answer: Depends... ;)

If you shoot after the sun goes down you'll get a pretty long exposure anyway at a slower speed, say ISO100 and f8 or therebouts. If it's not too late and you still have some light in the sky it may be interesting too. But if you want light trails thru the shot then it depends on how fast the cars are moving and how far they have to go to get thru the frame. Time the speed of the cars, and if it takes 10 seconds (for example) for them to get thru the frame then try for at least that long of an exposure. This may mean an ND filter or slower film (Velvia 50?) or stopping the lens down even farther. Experiment a little and you'll get all kinds of different results!

This shot: 23 sec, f32, ISO100. The cars didnt' go all the way thru the frame, which may or may not be what you want...

[metoliusdmm]

Official answer: Depends... ;)

If you shoot after the sun goes down you'll get a pretty long exposure anyway at a slower speed, say ISO100 and f8 or therebouts. If it's not too late and you still have some light in the sky it may be interesting too. But if you want light trails thru the shot then it depends on how fast the cars are moving and how far they have to go to get thru the frame. Time the speed of the cars, and if it takes 10 seconds (for example) for them to get thru the frame then try for at least that long of an exposure. This may mean an ND filter or slower film (Velvia 50?) or stopping the lens down even farther. Experiment a little and you'll get all kinds of different results!

This shot: 23 sec, f32, ISO100. The cars didnt' go all the way thru the frame, which may or may not be what you want...

I was thinking of doing it just before it got really dark, but i could do it just after the sun goes down too. I have loaded in my camera right now Fuji 200 speed film. what could i do with this, but i will try what you have suggested. Thanks, grea shot by the way.

Devin