Wind painted clouds, slowing down exposure for artistic imagery…
“Only from the heart can you touch the sky.”
― Rumi
One of my favorite personal projects is to capture storms as they develop. It’s such a rush to see the clouds taking shape, but I can only imagine what my camera will capture over the several minute long exposure timeframe. As the wind blows, the clouds are rolling into different shapes, sometimes barely moving, other times seemingly painted in midair. My goal is to capture an evolution of artistry created by wind and clouds, and their journey through time.
To every art, there is a technique. For this photo I shot with a Nikon D810, Nikkor 16-35m lens, 275 seconds at f/11, ISO 64. Induro CGT214 tripod, Vü neutral density filters and polarizer. I watch for changes in the cloud formations, and make adjustments to my composition as it changes. If I have the luxury of time, I’ll make several different exposures as the clouds take on a unique form in each photograph.
For upcoming workshop and seminar information, please visit http://www.debsandidge.com/workshops.
Hello,
Firstly thank you for sharing the awesome pictures. I am particularly fond of long exposures. I have been trying some shots myself but struggle. Not sure if my technique is wrong or lack equipment, mostly likely a combination.
Here is where I struggle and I am hoping you can impact some of your wisdom and experience to get me over the hurdles.
1. Focusing – How to keep the focus from shifting when attaching filter ?
here are my steps
1. Using autofocus I select a point in the scenery and get a focus beep on that. Switch off autofocus so the point does not shift accidentally.
2. Increase the Fstop to about 11-12 which is pretty much the most popular setting.
3. Proceed to install the filter. Now here is my challenge. While installing the filter on the lens cause the lens tend to turn ever so little causing the focus loss. Once the filter is installed it is impossible to focus bcaz it is too dark and the camera cannot find enough contrast level to lock focus. I try manual focus but same issue it is too dark to know for certain the focus is good.
My equipment
1. Canon rebel Tsi
2. Filters – cheap one with filter adapter that gets mounted on the lens. typical starter kit found on amazon.
3. Lens – 18-55 or 50mm F1.8, or 70-200 F4 canon professional series the white lens.
4. Tripod with a ball joint
Any help on how to resolve the focusing issue would be a great help to me to move forward.
Thank you
ashutosh parekh