The Bristol Railway Archive

On Sunday, there were a couple of shots which suffered from shake, and perhaps I will try out the timer. Rich, thanks for the tip.

I was using a Nikkon 18-70 zoom, possibly at the 35-55 mm with a D50. I still need to work out the best way of taking night shots, and need to reread the manual again. I used Photoshop Elements to adjust the colour.

I have wondered about using one of the gorilla grip tripods, although I haven't yet had discussions over taking a tripod onto a station. I think that these tripods can be attatched to suitable firm objects.

I might have a go at some night shots of Tangmere, but I need to try and select angles which conceal some of the strip lights more effectively.

Don,t use one of those gorilla things,they will tie you to one spot and you may need to move your camera quickly between shots.Stick with a tripod,I use a mini tripod for station work,It gives you a camera position of about 1ft. - 3ft. off the floor,that way you keep your head and pics under the rest!
You need to be able to pick up your gear and move it about quickly,should anyone get in your way,especially if you have limited time to get your shots,Don,t worry about using a tripod at the station,I find if there is a bunch of you doing the same,they leave you alone.
Also use a cable release,if in doubt about exposure,use F8 or there about and open shutter for 8 - 10 seconds,it's not critical with night shots,don,t get bogged down with exposure meters you won,t have time,don,t chatter with the rest of the bunch,you will miss the shot.If you know the subject is going to be in one place for a long time,experiment using smaller apertures with longer exposure times....Chippy.

http://john232.fotopic.net

Michael you have answered one question for me, you are a Nikon man, good on you, i am as well, and using the 18 to 70 lens, its a nice lens.

Its just that when i look at your pictures it looks as if you are using timed exposures, the way the steam always looks so good. But without being able to see the exif data it is not possible to verify this. Now as to tripods, i have one but find it such a cumbersome thing that i very rarely use it, i should i know but i just don't like it. I do have a electronic cable release and a remote control for my Nikon both of which have there uses with a tripod.
I must admit i have never taken my tripod on a station for the reasons stated here, this is why i was so interested as to how you were getting your shots.