How to photograph Blackpool Illuminations

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john-formby

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Hi,

Just found this forum and it looks really good so thought I would join. Sorry my first post is a request for help but I need some advice.

I am going to Blackpool Illuminations this evening and am wondering how to get the best out of my camera. I have a Canon EOS400D with Canon 24-85 and Sigma 10-20 lenses. I will also be taking my tripod and shutter release. I would really like to get some decent pictures but I do not know what the best settings would be for my camera as it will be night but the lights will be bright?

I am quite new to SLR photography so any help you can provide would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

John
 
You'll want to use the tripod for most of your shots. You might always want to use low aperture (high f values) to get nice sharp lights with interesting flares. Combine that with a tripod and you'll get some nice sharp images with light trails depending on whether or not there's any traffic where you are shooting.
 
Damn bit late on seeing this, guess you have probably gone and come back by now, but the illuminations are pretty tricky buggers to photograph, there never seems to be the right angle or anything that spectacular to make an amazing photograph. I think the illuminated tram(s) is the best thing by far. Tripod next to the track, nice long shutter speed and wait for it to come past. You can get stuff like http://www.jimmylemon.co.uk/index.php?showimage=16 that, but try and get the tower and some more illuminations in the background and I recon you will have a winner.
 
Hi Jimmy,

I really like the shot in the link mate. One thing i would ask is if you shoot at night do you still use a flash? I would think this would probably interfere with drivers vision etc so probably not but just thought i would check.
 
The problem most people have with the illuminations is that they take pictures of them in the pitch black, meaning that their photos are just bright lights surrounded by black nothingness. Try to go down at dusk, when the lighting ratios are much more even, and you should get some far more interesting shots.
 
photo.php


This is my photo before i read all the advise. its out of focus it would have been so much better with a tripod slow shutter speed and in manual.
 
Shaun - you might get more of a response from threads that are a little more current - the last post in here was in september 2009...
 
Holy thread revival batman.
Pity OP has only posted twice. He must live just round the corner from me.
Guess I'll just have to carry on paying with myself.
 
Beats pLaying... ;) :P (Ladder, please!!! :P:P:P)
 
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