We all love your photos---ours don't compare, but we keep trying.

A while back, you answered someone's question about how you took the night photos in Paris.

I tried to find the thread, but didn't have any luck. Would you be so kind to enlighten us again, or repost the thread.

Thanks.

TPAYT,

First off, Merci on the compliment.

As for shooting night photos in Paris, I can only tell you how it works for my camera, a Nikon D80.

I use the 'A' setting. This is the Apeture Priority mode. This lets me set the F-stop to control the amount of light coming in. Then the camera calculates how long the exposure will last.

So if you want to do a picture where you get head and tail lights in a 'stream', you would want an F-stop of 16 or 22. This is a very small opening and the camera will expose the shot at anywhere from 15-20 seconds

pbase.com/trsw/image/89011836

More importantly, you need something to hold the camera still. At home I use a standard tri-pod. But it is to large to haul over Europe. Besides, many places in Europe frown upon or sometimes charge fees to use one.

So when I travel I use a device called a 'Gorila Pod'. This thing has 3 7" flexible legs that bend in all directions. It really comes in handy for uneven surfaces. Or in the case of this shot from the courtyard of the Lourve. There was no surface at all, so I twisted the legs around the lip of a trashcan
pbase.com/trsw/image/89011850

Others may have some tips for you too, and I hope they chime in. This just works for me.

Tom

Tom, I keep wanting to get my husband a Gorilla pod type device, but he is convinced it won't be able to hold his larger Nikon lenses. Do you find that it stands up to large and heavy lenses?

thanks, debbie

debbie,

The largest lens I have is a 55-200mm and the 'gorila pod' seemed to handle it well. If you do get one, make sure you get the one rated for DSLRS. The smaller version would be too weak.

Tom

Bookmarking for future reference!

Just want to say, in case anyone is wondering about the Gorillapod, that I use the smaller one for my lightweight camera and it's really cool, and easy to tuck into my handbag.
www.joby.com

Travelnut,

Thank you for posting the link for the Gorila Pod. And I agree, it works great and is very easy to travel with.

Tom

I gave MDH your answer, and he is much appreciative. But I guess I didn't get all of the question.

He was also wondering about your Medicis Fountain photos in Luxembourg Garden. Every time we've been there, it's been very dark and shady, and almost impossible to photograph. What is your secret?

Looking forward to your next pictures.

TPAYT,

Two 'secrets' for the Medici fountain photos:

1) If you are getting blurry shots, it may be to a slow shutter speed. If so, turn your ISO (film speed) up to either 400 or 800. This will give you a faster shutter speed.
2) IMHO, this is most important, if you can manually set the White Balance on your camera, make sure it is set for your actual lighting conditions.

The 2006 photo was shot on a sunny day so I set it at 'direct sunlight'
pbase.com/trsw/image/69560611

The 2007 photo was shot on an overcast day so I set it on 'cloudy'
pbase.com/trsw/image/89014940

I hope this helps. If you or your DH have questions, feel free to email me at
tomsneed6025 at yahoo dot com

Tom

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful - they capture the Paris I love.