Splendor (long-exposure)

[HatemGKotb]

Hello guys, I'm trying to get better at long exposure shots, however I'm not practicing enough. I'd appreciate if you'd give me any tips.

Regarding the below shot, it was after sunset as I was having "iftar" during the sunset. The photo is not very clear & I'm assuming a few things:
1- Tripod is not steady enough.
2- The lens should've been cleaned from the waves.
3- High humidity --> does this affect the quality?

Here are the photo details:
Canon 550D + (10-22 mm lens)
Focal Length: 12 mm
Aperture: f/22
Shutter Speed: 30 secs
ISO: 11

Thanks!

[Donald]

I'm not seeing an image Hatem.

[Manfred M]

Donald - follow the 500px link in the footer. It links to the images.

[PRSearls]

Hatem,

That is a very pretty scene. I don't have a super-wide angle but I think the foreground out to the horizon should be sharp. I would suspect it was vibration (from wind?) that is the problem. Some tripods can really vibrate when exposed to wind which causes minor camera shake will kills sharpness. If you suspect this is a problem, don't extend your tripod to its full height. I have a Gitzo three-extension, carbon fiber tripod which is pretty good but in windy conditions, I try to keep leg extensions to a minimum. This helps very much. Using a cable release (or self timer) and mirror lock-up are also important. Try to eliminate anything that could cause camera shake or vibration. Sorry I can't offer a more definitive answer.

Paul S

[kdoc856]

Regarding the below shot, it was after sunset as I was having "iftar" during the sunset. The photo is not very clear & I'm assuming a few things:
1- Tripod is not steady enough.
2- The lens should've been cleaned from the waves.
3- High humidity --> does this affect the quality?

Hi, Hatem

A couple of thoughts: Even a slight wind or contact with water can cause an imperceptible vibration. Unless I am absolutely certain my tripod is absolutely stable, I leave the image stabilization on. With high humidity shooting, you may well need to clean your lense (outer glass if you have a filter on) before every shot. Your focal length was almost as wide as you could go, and that may not be your "sweet spot" for that lense- you'll have to experiment with different focal lengths and see if you have a "go to" focal length, or just as importantly, one you'd like to avoid.
Hope this helps a little.