"Ghost" pics

[Ember]

I tried searching for this, but no luck. There may already be a thread discussing this and if there is, please point me in the right direction. I would like to know how to take "ghost" shots of family members in front of the haunted mansion. I've seen it done several times on the boards, but now can't find the trip reports to ask the posters how they took these. I have a Canon Rebel and some experience with photography, but not really with night shots. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NYwdwfan]

I tried searching for this, but no luck. There may already be a thread discussing this and if there is, please point me in the right direction. I would like to know how to take "ghost" shots of family members in front of the haunted mansion. I've seen it done several times on the boards, but now can't find the trip reports to ask the posters how they took these. I have a Canon Rebel and some experience with photography, but not really with night shots. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Do you mean these types of photos:

They are photopass magic shots. If you meant something else and I am stating the obvious - I apolgize.

 

[cbettua]

I just got lucky to find a photopass photographer at mickeys not so scary and got two of them.

 

[Ember]

Oops should have clarified. Not with the ghosts from the ride, but of actual family members that look like ghosts, like they are transparent. I assume it's a matter of shutter speed?

 

[fractal]

I think you are talking about a long exposure shot. Setting you camera on a tripod and then taking a long exposure. During the exposure you quickly move your family into place and stand there long enough to "ghostly" appear in the image, then quickly move out. I've never done this but I believe that is the gist of it. Seems like you would have to experiment or practice before your trip to get the timing down -

 

[Ember]

I think you are talking about a long exposure shot. Setting you camera on a tripod and then taking a long exposure. During the exposure you quickly move your family into place and stand there long enough to "ghostly" appear in the image, then quickly move out. I've never done this but I believe that is the gist of it. Seems like you would have to experiment or practice before your trip to get the timing down -

This! If anyone has any tips on how to make this possible, please let me know! Thanks Fractal!

 

[wdwmagic]

This! If anyone has any tips on how to make this possible, please let me know! Thanks Fractal!

Do you have a DSLR or a point and shoot? To achieve this you need a camera capable of doing a long exposure (something like 30 seconds or so), and a tripod. Most point and shoots do not let you do this.

 

[Ember]

Canon Rebel DSLR

 

[Ember]

I did it! 30 seconds did the trick. Very cool effect. I'll post my results in a few minutes. I'm sure it's going to be a bit more difficult applying it to people, but I can't wait to try it!

 

[Ember]

Moving object at 10 seconds

Moving at 20 seconds

 

[NYwdwfan]

Moving object at 10 seconds

Moving at 20 seconds

Wow - that is cool.

 

[ddbowdoin]

this is pretty easy to do with post... you just need to combine two images and then play around with levels.

 

[everestnut]

My daughter and I did one a couple of years ago. Set the camera for a 30 sec exposure. Start the exposure, run to your spot and count to 10 and run out. I don't remember the f stop, but I think it was fairly high.

 

[fractal]

My daughter and I did one a couple of years ago. Set the camera for a 30 sec exposure. Start the exposure, run to your spot and count to 10 and run out. I don't remember the f stop, but I think it was fairly high.

Are you going to leave us hanging?

 

[ddbowdoin]

Take two images, one LE without you in it and one image with you in the frame.

Import and copy both into a single photoshop window and then play with the transparency levels of the image that includes you in the frame.

 

[wdwmagic]

Take two images, one LE without you in it and one image with you in the frame.

Import and copy both into a single photoshop window and then play with the transparency levels of the image that includes you in the frame.

Now there I was thinking you would want to do this effect the traditional way - all "in camera."

 

[Ember]

Now there I was thinking you would want to do this effect the traditional way - all "in camera."

It's more fun to do it all "in camera". It feels like a true accomplishment

 

[ddbowdoin]

Now there I was thinking you would want to do this effect the traditional way - all "in camera."

Nah, what's the point... digital is all about convenience anyway.

 

[ddbowdoin]

It's more fun to do it all "in camera". It feels like a true accomplishment

try working in a medium where you can't see instant results... it's amazing when you nail it and a real kick in the behind when the results aren't there.

 

[Ember]

Been there. Didn't get my first digital until a few years ago.