WhrDLMI

During a recent trip to San Francisco, I captured a series of shots of the Bay Bridge between Oakland and the city from a nearby high-rise. These are pretty much the best shots I have ever captured... Comment and criticism is, of course, welcome.

Click to see larger versions.



Camera: Canon 40D
Lens: Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 42mm
Aperture: f/3.2
Exposure: 1.3 sec.




Camera: Canon 40D
Lens: Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 85mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure: 1/1000th sec.

Now, here is my question: With pretty much the same settings at obviously the same location, I captured the following shots.



Camera: Canon 40D
Lens: Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 54mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure: 1/25th sec.



Camera: Canon 40D
Lens: Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 30mm
Aperture: f/3.2
Exposure: 1.6 sec.

What the heck did I do wrong with the second two shots that I didn't do with the first two? Is it a focusing issue? An ISO issue?

All of the shots were taken using a tripod (well... Actually, I used a table. ). I also used the count-down timer so as not to disturb the camera once I had it set.

I will admit that the last one was taken at 2 am after a REALLY loud fog horn from what I am assuming was a REALLY big ship passing under the bridge woke me up. I was pretty much exhausted so who knows what I actually did...

Anywho... If anyone can offer any advice as to what I may have done differently with the second shots versus the first and what I can do to avoid it in the future, I would certainly appreciate it. At the very least, I hope y'all enjoy my work.

Jeff

WhrDLMI

Oh... By the way... Chronologically, the photos were taken 2, 3, 1, 4 over a period of several hours as we watched the sun set.

That is to say, the second shot was first, the third shot was taken second, etc, etc, etc...

Make sense?

e3opian

1st and 2nd, not chronologically, but rather in order of posting are the best!

Great work, Jeff. Night shots are most interesting to have a hint of color left in the sky, not all black. The second shot captures the sun lighting up the parts of the bridge facing you with nice magic hour color... If I had to nitpick I would have said to frame the second slightly to the left.

WhrDLMI

Thanks, Aaron. The first two are DEFINITELY getting printed.

I just don't know what I did measurably different to have the second two shots come out a little off. I think it is focus but I am curious to see what those with more experience than I have to say.

OnlyHonda4me

Well done, Jeff! I'm impressed. As for the focusing on the two slightly fuzzier ones - it could even be as simple as the table vibrating a little bit from someone slamming the door under you in the hotel. Sorry I don't have any better advice - I love the shots and can't find anything wrong with them!

Nate4635

I cant see the pics from work....but I too sometimes have the issue where some photos, seemingly under the same conditions, are different than others in terms of quality.

WhrDLMI

Thanks, Guys.

My photos are all hosted on Flickr so if you have that blocked...

You make a good point, Nate... It could just be the randomness of the world that jumped up and got me.

JonBoy

That first one is money - a fantastic shot, for sure.

Penforhire

Maybe there was some more fog or mist in the air for the other shots. Otherwise focus could be slightly off? IIRC, 1/25th second is also in the range where mirror-lockup makes an improvement and setting a camera on a table is not as good as a proper tripod. Most tables shimmy and shake more than a tripod and you aren't even locked to to table (if I understand how you did it).

slanguage

I love that 1st pic posted. I would love a copy of it.