San Diego Mission

[Coastal Flyer]

The Mission has always been a real problem for me to photograph. At night the flood light creates a huge hot spot. During the day the snow white facade is just as difficult. Here is my lastest attempt, any suggestions on how to capture this?

Thanks,

CF

[GB1]

Graduated neutral density filter.

I can see what you mean, but it still looks sort of neat like it is. Just a little too bright where the light centers.

You could also replace the bulb with a lower wattage one

[Greg McCary]

The other night I tried using my polarizer for a shot I have been having the same problem with and it actualy helped. The light at the bottom of the clock was blowing my exposure out. When I used the polarizer it brought out more detail at the top of the clock that I was losing. And toned down the light at the bottom. I am still not happy with this shot but it's lots better. Just give it a try and see. It's is still a very nice shot. You take some great photos CF....
I thought about going back and using my ND 8 filter it's much darker than my polarizer...

[HD650]

Honestly, I like both pics just the way the are. I am loving the darkness of both. Also, the sharpness really makes them stand out.

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks for the positive comments and the two filter suggestions. I would never have thought of a polarizer for a night shot. I will re-shoot at the first opportunity and repost. I do not own the graduated neutral filter but that is easily fixed. I prefer changing the bulb, though. Hoo-hooo.

Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

CF

[GB1]

CF - The graduated ND filter is exp but is valuable in certain situations.... I own a Singh-Ray one, they provide you a nice holder for it also. The only downside is that it was so exp that I'm afraid of scratching it.

http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.html

[Coastal Flyer]

GB1:

Thanks for the tip. I will search around for it this weekend and see what the sticker shock is.

CF

[Photo-John]

Two exposures and then layer them in Photoshop. It's better than a graduated neutral density because it's absolutely tuneable. It's easier if you're shooting digital, but you can do it with film and then scan the two images. I do variations on this technique all the time. You can dramatically expand the dynamic range of image by using two different exposures. And it's a worthy subject.

If you want more info, post on the Digital Imaging forum and we can get into more detail there.

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks John.

I will post on the Digital Imaging forum as I am a real beginner with PS so maybe this shot can be my experimental/learning curve subject.

Thanks for the suggestion. See you on the other forum.

CF