First long exposure photo

[niallc99]

I took my camera with me at the weekend, whilst walking through Tollymore Forest Park, here in Northern Ireland.

For the first time, since I got my DSLR in March, I really felt like a lot of the more technical aspects of photography were clicking into place - I was playing with the ISO, shutter speed etc to try and get some usable pictures under the tree canopy.

For this photo, I wanted a long exposure but I didn't have a tripod. I had to improvise, using my camera bag as a makeshift tripod. Given the length of exposure, I also found that I had to use a ND filter (which I'd bought but never used before) to get the shot.

For all you experienced photgraphers out there, I'm sure that this is fairly standard stuff - but I'm really chuffed at how I'm finally starting to think about more of the technical side of taking photos

As always, all C&C is appreciated.

[arith]

Looks really good to me

[Donald]

... but I'm really chuffed at how I'm finally starting to think about more of the technical side of taking photos

Good on you Niall. And never under-estimate the progress you're making up the learning curve by just starting to think at a conscious level of the technical side. Because once the technical bits start to sink in and you start applying them in a more unconscious way, your artistic interpretation (which we can start to see in the above image) will get more of your attention. I don't think you can get on top of both simultaneously. Mastering and feeling totally comfortable with the technical will then free you up to concentrate on the artistic.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Niall,

Definitely a shot to be proud of!

Good range of tones and sharp.

Well done,

[bleys]

Excellent shot; looks sharp and well exposed with a perfect shutter speed. Well done.