Building Night Life

[Joseph Bautsch]

Eduard, I was not questioning what you were saying. I have no experience in using LR or PS. I could only state my experience with Aperture and somewhat limited experience with PSE 8. I took a course once when PSE 8 first came out, 14 hrs., in 2 hr. classes. I just could not get my brain wrapped around it. I only use it a couple of times a year and have to punch my way through it with the instruction book in hand. I am not a computer wiz. And I ain't worth a damn until I have a big cup of high octane coffee in the am and then I am real... ha ha ha

 

[Eduard]

Joseph: I didn't take it as questioning (though I don't mind if you do) but it made me look at my previous response more critically. -Ed

 

[ohkphoto]

Is there another light, like a street light, off to the left of the building adding light to the shot? It looks like your WB is set more for the light coming from the lamp over the top of the building

Exactly. I took a reading under the lamp over the building, and the streetlights cast the green glow. I re-processed it twice, the second time by adjusting each individual shot to flourescent and that gave me a better result. You're right about trying to adjust wb after hdr -- very little effect.

 

[ohkphoto]

Since you created an HDR is it safe to say that you used RAW?

Yes, Eduard, I always shoot RAW (I'm so pixel selfish! lol)

So, is the concensus that I should process one of the images in Capture NX2 because it reads expo-disc data better (or did I just waste my money on an expo-disc??)

 

[ohkphoto]

My attempts in February in north of England were not so noise free. They were taken at 21:00.

I love the mist in this shot, Naja. Really nice capture and I don't see any noise (may be due to the one glass of wine I'm having LOL)

 

[ohkphoto]

Helene, you get 2 pats on the back AND an ATTAGURL!

Thanks, I needed that, Pete! Haven't had an ATTAGURL in a long time!

 

[ohkphoto]

Curt, I love your shots! Really sharp details and nice color in the lights!

 

[Eduard]

Yes, Eduard, I always shoot RAW (I'm so pixel selfish! lol)

So, is the concensus that I should process one of the images in Capture NX2 because it reads expo-disc data better (or did I just waste my money on an expo-disc??)

Let's step back because I confused the situation. <sorry> There are two ways to set WB with the ExpoDisc. The first is to aim at the light source and the second is to aim from the light source to where you will shoot. Most people, myself included, usually use the first method. The issue is that you have so many different light sources and resulting temperatures, right? My guess is that you aimed the Expodisc at the overhead light which is probably close to tungsten in color temperature. As an experiment, you might want to stand in front of the door and aim back at your tripod to set the WB. I honestly don't know if it will make a difference or not.

On top of that, low light shooting increases the potential for chromatic aberration in my experience. (Both my old 50/1.8D and 50/1.4D exhibit this behavior.) It is for that reason, not the Expodisc, that I suggested using Capture NX2. When I have an image with a CA issue, I've tried to fix them multiple times with PS or LR and never been as satisfied as the results from NX2.

Bottom line, you will get better control of white balance with an Expodisc. As Joseph points out, any system struggles in the situation you face in this location.

(I guess I'm pixel selfish, too! LOL)

 

[Joseph Bautsch]

Helene, good advice from Ed. I really like the follow-up shot with the window. Much better from a composition point of view. The window adds much more interest and draws the eye. You also got rid of a lot of the off color from the street light and that blown out spot from the overhead lamp. Yes, much better composition.

 

[ohkphoto]

Eduard, thank you for the detailed explanation . . . it makes sense and I actually understand!

Joseph, thank you also for pointing me in the right direction (and especially reminding me to "do it right the first time")

Learned a ton from this!

Thank you all for taking time to provide feedback!

 

[kamaccord]

Here are a couple shots.