Making My Own Fun at Night

[Rainforest]

Great shots Susan How long did you leave the torch on to lighten the FG ?

Hi Binnur, The house light on the porch is about 25 feet away and has a covered shade - I flipped it on and off for maybe a total of 3-4 seconds. I had to try it a couple of times to get it right. Doing it at the beginning of the exposures was key so I could dump it if it was too strong. ;-)

[Mike Buckley]

I actually think the story being told with the empty chair is more appealing than if someone had been sitting in it. It makes me think of several story possibilities: that a person had been sitting there but went inside to get a drink, that a person had set the chair there and had planned to return later to enjoy the evening, or that a person had been sitting there but had been called inside because some family member just couldn't simply let him or her relax in total peace and quiet.

As for getting someone to sit still for 20 minutes, in the 19th century frames that held the neck and head in place made it easier for people to stay still for long exposures. You could always rig up something that would keep your husband locked in place, but understandably at the risk of divorce.

[bnnrcn]

Thanks for the info Susan

Hi Binnur, The house light on the porch is about 25 feet away and has a covered shade - I flipped it on and off for maybe a total of 3-4 seconds. I had to try it a couple of times to get it right. Doing it at the beginning of the exposures was key so I could dump it if it was too strong. ;-)

[Jim A]

A great outcome, Susan! Very interesting indeed to hear how it was achieved.
Perhaps have a dog the other side of the chair next time

[Stagecoach]

As for getting someone to sit still for 20 minutes, in the 19th century frames that held the neck and head in place made it easier for people to stay still for long exposures. You could always rig up something that would keep your husband locked in place, but understandably at the risk of divorce.

That's why we have Photoshop these days

[IzzieK]

That would mean getting him to sit still for 20 minutes!

What do you he can't? Mine will take advantage of that and sleep his head off. hahahaha...

[Rainforest]

A great outcome, Susan! Very interesting indeed to hear how it was achieved.
Perhaps have a dog the other side of the chair next time

Thanks Jim. That would be more appealing to me than a person I think. Maybe a glass of wine....

[Mike Buckley]

Maybe a glass of wine....

It's difficult for me to think of any situation in which a glass of wine wouldn't be an improvement.

[Rainforest]

or maybe have a glass of wine there that needs refreshing...

[Rainforest]

I've been thinking about this sitting still stuff. If I shoot for ex. a person in the base exposure they only have to sit for 20 seconds or however long I choose the exposures will be. With the Live Composite you can wait for an hour if you want to after taking the base exposure before starting the stacked exposures. Since they only add new light I think I could also just cover the lens and have someone or something enter or exit and it shouldn't be problematic. There will be more fun down the road - but I will need someone who is willing to stay up late but not necessarily sit still!