night photography

[Bukitimah]

I have set my camera to ISO 100, speed to 5 sec and f3.8 and use a tripod with remote shutter. I find the photo is still not sharp.

Please let me know where did I go wrong.

 

[JoeLewisPhotography]

I would lower that aperture to around F/11 or lower (higher number). 3.8 is hardly enough to get everything in focus when doing a scenic shot.

Edit: Take aperture down to F/11, Raise ISO to 200 (really doesn't need to be lower) and slow the shutter speed down to compensate. Problem solved.

 

[Bukitimah]

Thank you. Just venturing into night photography. Does this apply to day time low light situation too?

 

[gqtuazon]

Bukitmah- just like what Joe Lewis have mentioned, you need to use atleast f8 or above, ISO can range up to 800. Shoot during the blue hour to give you more colours.

This should be a familiar sight for you. It's near where you took your shot.

f9, 5 seconds, ISO 200
Sands Hotel and Casino



Singapore Sands Hotel and Casino by gqtuazon, on Flickr

 

[Bukitimah]

Hi Glenn, I took another with f8, 10 sec but ISO 100. Will post it later for comments

 

[JoeLewisPhotography]

For the most part, whenever doing scenic or landscape photos you want a lower aperture, so yes it does apply in daytime pics, if you want everything in focus that is. Just adjust your ISO and shutter speed accordingly.