missle launch photo help

[sinjin 0]

i will be taking photos of a skydive with a missle launch in the background. anyone with experience in taking missle launch photos with advice or tips would be appreciated.

thanks

dont let life pass you by

[The111 1]

I have no experience with this type of photo, but I'd think it would be like any other photo, especially photos with a sunflare or lots of clouds. In general, and especially in these situations, I find it's better to be slightly underexposed than over. And I think the Rebel XT (which many skydivers use) has a tendency to slightly overexpose in the auto and priority modes. I usually just fix this in post, but there is a limit, if you lose too much to the white end of the spectrum, you can't get it back.

You could always use exposure bracketing, even though it won't function as intended since the shots will differ by fractions of a second. But you'll still get multiple shots at various exposure levels, and for a once in a lifetime jump that is probably a good extra insurance to have. Shooting in RAW will also allow you to recover more lost information (though I don't usually do this).

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[sinjin 0]

that some good information and think i will try to err on the underexposed side.. i am using the rebel XT and the stock lens, 18-55, but i might be able to use a cannon 15 mm fixed.. the fixed 15mm is much better glass but might be too wide for this type of shot.. anyone have advice on that ??

dont let life pass you by

[The111 1]

Yup, that's a good point too, there's almost no reason to use a wide angle on this shot. Unless you anticipate the rocket being very high off the ground when you shoot, and you want the entire trail in frame.

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[stratostar 5]

I would say wide is better, cuz you can always crop it down and you can fly close and still get a lot of background coverage.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[The111 1]

Quote

I would say wide is better, cuz you can always crop it down and you can fly close and still get a lot of background coverage.

True, but the more background coverage you get, the less "missile coverage" (detail) you get. On any other jump I'd agree and want to include a large chunk of landscape. But with a rocket in frame I'd want to see as much detail on that (and its smoke) as possible, and I'd want to appear as close as possible.

Different strokes...

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[linestretch 0]

i think the wider version would make the missile look like an ant. I was totally thinking of shooting a much larger lens so the perspective makes the missle look much bigger.....but it's a trade off. Your aim needs to be spot on. AND... you need to be able to fly with the subject centered AND the missile in the back ground all while keeping that much larger distance from the subject....much more 3D flying especially with the missile moving....good luck.

my pics & stuff!

[tonyhathaway 0]

Usually the more variables you have to deal with, and the tougher the set up, the better the outcome when you get it right. Only problem is, sometimes ONE variable you don't get right, the whole shot is blown. either play it safe with wide-angle, some automatic functions, and get an "OK" shot, or just go big, and take something spectacular.

My O.C.D. has me chasing a dream my A.D.D. won't let me catch.

[sinjin 0]

thanks for the replys everyone ... i would post the spectacular shot i got,, but i sat on the ground with 1000' overcast skies as the rocket blasted off,, and not 10 minutes after the skies were clear the rest of the day..

i will go for the special shot tony next time,, hope your music career is going well !!!

blues and rockets at the same time

pablo

dont let life pass you by