I need some help with nighttime pictures at Disney

[PhotoDave219]

1/30th won't get you much of the bursts, you're going to need to be dead on with your timing.

If it were me, I'd opt for a longer shutter to get more "wow" of the bursts, the issue with that though is you need to stand ridiculously still to not blur your faces, even with a rear curtain flash.

Have you thought at all about hiring someone? Lots of photographers in the area and since you're at a restaraunt you shouldn't have an issue, espeically if you say the people already know you're coming. Another expense for sure, but for a special occasion it might be better than you HOPING you get the shot.

I do this for a living. I know what I'm talking about. This is Photo 101.

 

[WDI 1998]

OK, you are getting great advice from PhotoDave219 but I am going to go out on a limb here and say for the money you dropped on the camera and tripod you could have hired a pro photographer and had him get the whole experience perfect for you. From you on one knee to her reaction etc. Do you plan on continuing to pursue photography as a serious hobby after your engagement?

 

[sporadic]

...
You want the flash on a rear curtain setting (all nikons do this) so the flash fires at the end of the shutter duration, freezing the happy couple.
...

Is the 2nd curtain sync to help keep the couple composed (flash reaction / after movement) or is there another technical reason? Just curious, thanks.

 

[redbrick22]

WDI1998 you're correct. Like I said in a previous post the pros wanted 350 for the rights to a few photos. I put that money and bought a factory refurbished D3200. Would they take better pictures, sure, but I'm confident that I can take a decent pictures and I will still be able to keep the camera and tripod. Plus I don't have to worry about a possible no show if the photographer gets sick ect.
I'm a do it yourself kinda guy, I bought my first car when I turned 18. I have learned to do oil changes, brakes, suspension, headers, full exhaust, polishing/ Dual action buffer, ect. I would much rather learn to do it myself and get the reward of saying "I did that" even if it's not "professional"

 

[redbrick22]

To answer your other question, yes I would love to continue this as a hobby. I don't see myself as becoming an avid photographer, but it's nice to know that I have a beginner DSLR to take some nice photos when I travel ect.. I have lots of hobbies, don't we all , and I can see photography on that list. Especially when I don't need to hide it from my GF lol

 

[Lord_Vader]

Also, according to friends in Disney's Event Photography outside professional photographers are not allowed to professionally take photos in the parks or resorts. I did witness a photography session abruptly ended at YC/BC last summer by security.

 

[redbrick22]

Vader, you may be correct, however the lady I spoke with at Cali grill said they would allow it. To be exact she actually mentioned about weddings and special events having pro photographers and how they go about getting them into the resort. I can see how they wouldn't allow it in the parks though

 

[PhotoDave219]

Is the 2nd curtain sync to help keep the couple composed (flash reaction / after movement) or is there another technical reason? Just curious, thanks.

To avoid any serious ghosting or movement while the shutter was open.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Also, according to friends in Disney's Event Photography outside professional photographers are not allowed to professionally take photos in the parks or resorts. I did witness a photography session abruptly ended at YC/BC last summer by security.

Thats correct. When I'm there in a professional capacity, I have an escort.

However, any good photographer worth their salt knows this and knows how to do these things discretely.

 

[yensid67]

REDBRICK22...
Have you looked into a PhotPass Photographer being there for the BIG MOMENT? I dunno if they do this sort of thing , but I am sure if you offer MONEY they will accommodate your requests? Just a thought and good luck with your engagement surprise!

 

[redbrick22]

YENSID67
Yes. When I talked to the lady at Cali Grill she said that she could try and have a photopass photographer there. I think no matter what I would like them there as backup and still take some of my own pictures.

Here are some tests from yesterday. Granted there is nothing in the foreground, but this gives me an idea of what settings to try. Kid running around with sparkler
Orange: ISO 200 F 5.6 Shutter 1 sec
Green: ISO 200 F 7.1 Shutter 1 sec
Purple: ISO 800 F 3.5 Shutter 1/10
Last one for fun:ISO 200 Shutter 15 sec F 5.6


[URL=http://s136.photobucket.com/user/triga22/media/DSC_0034_zps79656f2e.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[PhotoDave219]

I was going to suggest experimenting at home before you go and there ya go....

Good luck and have fun.

 

[redbrick22]

Here are some pictures that I took.

I took the above picture settings and changed the flash to manual and I did 1/4 flash because auto was too bright. I also extended the shutter to 2.5 to capture more of the background light. F 7.1-9 I cant remember what exactly, but I will correct it later. ISO 200

*The corrected image wont upload correctly, but the lighting in the back was perfect and the couple looked not as bright and surprisingly clear for a shutter of 2.5*

Shutter around 2 sec ^ ISO 200 F 7.1
But this happens with those settings during the finale...


Corrected setting the next night and shot F9-11 ISO 200 and Shutter 5 sec.

But the finale again was overexposed....

Basically what I learned from this is the flash should be between 1/4-1/2. ISO of 200 looks good to me. F 7-10 Shutter 1 sec. Whatcha think?

 

[PhotoDave219]

Here are some pictures that I took.

I took the above picture settings and changed the flash to manual and I did 1/4 flash because auto was too bright. I also extended the shutter to 2.5 to capture more of the background light. F 7.1-9 I cant remember what exactly, but I will correct it later. ISO 200

*The corrected image wont upload correctly, but the lighting in the back was perfect and the couple looked not as bright and surprisingly clear for a shutter of 2.5*

Shutter around 2 sec ^ ISO 200 F 7.1
But this happens with those settings during the finale...


Corrected setting the next night and shot F9-11 ISO 200 and Shutter 5 sec.

But the finale again was overexposed....

Basically what I learned from this is the flash should be between 1/4-1/2. ISO of 200 looks good to me. F 7-10 Shutter 1 sec. Whatcha think?

The finale? You need to close the shutter before the white phospherous goes off.

I tend to forget this and.... yeah. I overexpose it too. It tends to happen. Dont sweat this.

 

[fractal]

The finale? You need to close the shutter before the white phospherous goes off.

I tend to forget this and.... yeah. I overexpose it too. It tends to happen. Dont sweat this.

Thanks for the tip. Now I feel better.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Easy fix - Gotta close the shutter prior to the giant white shot going off. It comes very quick.

 

[redbrick22]

Thanks for the tip Dave! Basically you want the shutter closed for the initial explosion? Could you perhaps cover the lens with cardboard, while the lens open, during the initial blasts?

My recommendation of ISO 200 flash 1/2-1/4 f7-10 and shutter 1-1.5 sec was for the pictures of the couple on December? Whatcha think?