Friday, February 21, 2014

Flashback Friday: Experimenting With Night Photography


Driving up the driveway to our house in the wine country, I got out of the car to take these pictures.  The sky was breathtaking!

As I got closer to the top, the old oak tree came into view.

The sky was so surreal.  By the time I walked up the driveway, the pink clouds were gone!  These photos were taken at 6:00 pm, and the moon was already in the sky creating wonderful photo opportunities.  I was in photo heaven!

Since I was in a photographing mood when we got to the house, I walked around taking photos looking through the windows like a Peeping Tom!

I'm having so much fun with photography these days, even though I have no idea what the heck I'm doing!  I was just experimenting with light and exposure here and surprised that these pictures actually turned out.

Peeking in to the kitchen.  

What a beautiful full moon!

This was taken at 9:00 pm.  The moon in the sky, looking southeast.

Here is an example of how bright the sky was.  This was also taken at 9:00 pm! I rested the camera on a chair and pressed the button.  I counted 13 seconds before the shutter closed!
Mr. A and I couldn't believe how this turned out.  It looks like daylight, but you can see the stars in the sky!

It's amazing that so much color came through.  

This was taken around midnight, looking east toward the vineyard.  The moon was very high in the sky, casting shadows on the ground.

Looking down the grape arbor.  Notice the shadows to the right, cast by the moon.

Another photo taken at midnight looking west toward the living room.  Can you see the Big Dipper?

The pool at midnight, looking south.

One of our oak trees, looking north, taken around midnight.   The lights of Cloverdale are below.

The same tree with a flash!

Eventually, it got too cold so we went back inside to download our pictures and see what turned out and what didn't.  About a third of them turned out.  Here is the living room all cozy and warm.

All of these pictures were taken with my Canon Rebel XTi, with a Tamron  18-270 mm lens.  The ISO was at 1600, letting in as much light as possible.  We didn't have a tripod, so instead I rested the camera on a ladder rung or a ledge.  The shutter stayed open for 10 to 15 seconds for the outside shots.

I told Mr. A that I almost don't want to know everything there is to know about my camera and photography.  It's so much fun experimenting and learning.  Thanks for indulging me on this little experiment with light and exposure.  I guess I had a bad case of "night vision!"

This post was from March, 2010 when I was discovering all the wonderful things I could do with my old camera.
This weekend is dedicated to acquiring a new, up-to-date, lightweight camera with all the bells and whistles.
I'm going to need it for an upcoming trip! 

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15 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Those shots are amazing!

Chatfield Court said...

Great pictures! I got a new Nikon for Christmas and I am having so much fun learning about it. I am a picture taking fool. I'm like you, I like to learn it by doing. So much more fun that way. Thanks for sharing.
Kristi

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I have no photography know how, I nedd to take some lessons. AND GET A DECENT CAMERA. yOUR PHOTOS ARE gorgeous!!! i CAN'T BELIEVE HOW BEAUTIFUL THE MIDNIGHT ONES ARE! Whoops, sorry the caps lock button got pushed:) Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend. XO

La Table De Nana said...

Your driveway is not unlike 2 places we stayed at in Italy..
Beautiful!

Sarah said...

Incredible shots, Delores. Each time you share images of Asti, I'm in awe of the natural beauty of this property.

Bonnie said...

Deloris, I am in awe!!! I have the same camera and lens but don't get the same results as you. I bought the lens a few years ago on your recommendation. I have enjoyed it on trips. Close-up of food we were eating and zooming out to capture people as they are in a natural setting. Also capturing the countryside as we were riding in a car or fast train in Provence.

The one regret is capturing the moon and you have done it so well. You mentioned the ISO but what were the other settings? Thanks for the inspiration.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Delores, Your yard, home and shots are all beautiful! I hope you will share your research results on the lightweight camera as I also am in the market for one to carry when I don't want my large Nikon and the huge lens along. I do see the big dipper! Linda

The Tablescaper said...

Your shots are gorgeous!

Thanks so much for all of your recent suggestions on our visit to San Francisco.

- Alma, The Tablescaper

AntiqueChase said...

You could send those in for publication. SOme of the prettiest pictures ever!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Those are GORGEOUS! The midnight ones are so wild -- the stars and the "daylight". Inspires me to get out of my camera rut and do more ;-)

Katherines Corner said...

these photos are stunning! You tell a beautiful story through your lens. Hugs

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Your photos are gorgeous. One of the best things about your blog are your professional quality pictures!! Keep sharing. :)

Mary Ann Pickett said...

SOOO amazing. Can't wait to hear about your new camera.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Stunning photos Delores!!

Lori said...

Unbelievably gorgeous and amazing.

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