Hi, I’ve been experimenting with night lights. So here is a set of photos depicting a small Consolidation making it through the night and in to early dawn. Any comments appreciated. Tips and suggestion are very welcome as well as any info on any specific pictures that you like so that I know what works and not. None of the pics have been altered digitally which would most certainly help but that is not one of my skills.
Magnus
Love the “moonlight” feel. Did you use a blue bulb or gel to light the scene?
The cold blue makes a nice contrast with the warm coach lights and headlamp.
The first pic would make a good Xmas card cover!
Craig
Craig,
I use a string of blue LED lights that I bought 30 feet of for 12 dollars. The LEDs are spaced 12" apart and it works even better live then in pictures since my camera can not pick it up properly. The moonlight effect is exactly what I’ve been going for. Up here when we get these cold nights with no clouds we get this strong nice blue light that I just love.
I’m considering getting a string of red lights to put behind the backdrop and let the light reflect against the ceiling and down again to get some red colour when trying to do sunsets and early morning. Experimenting with light is a lot more fun then I would have ever thought.
I just get that feeling that I want to sit in that passenger car and look out at the wilderness draped in moonlight from my wam seat.
Magnus
Here are some more pics. This time of a N&W Class J.
Lillen, OK, you asked for it!! pic #1 = good #2&3 part of loco cut off #4 only part of car #5 car view is better #6 I like better than #1 #7 loco cut off #8 is 2nd best #9 I like this the best!![tup][tup] #10&11 back of loco cut off #12, 13, 14 too much space in fron of loco #15 very good but I still like #9 better #16,17 too much space in front #18 too much space & out of focus #19, the foreground is distracting. Lillen, all but #18 are in good focus/no camera movement [tup] You could use #9 for a Christmas card, desk top, avatar, or anything else. Very good work!! [bow]
I like it. What camera did you use?
That looks good. How far is the LED string from the train and scenery?
Thanks for the run down and the nice comments. I apreciate you taking the time to give me the feedback so that I can adjust and learn.
Magnus
The LED’s are approximately 15-25 inches away from the track and scenery.
Magnus
I use a small pocket camera, a HP Photosmart M22. It’s not a good camera for these kind of things. It’s suitable for taking pics of the kids and so but not for close up modelling pics.
Magnus
The cones in the retina of your eye see color but are not very sensitive. They require a lot of light. The rods are much more sensitive, but do not see color.
Therefore, when you simulate night in a photograph, you should use a blue shift, like you did, but you should also reduce the color saturation about 70% and darken the image some.
If you have Photoshop, there are some other things you can do to further enhance the illusion.
Nice pictures! They have a Polar Express feel to them. With the lighting, the surroundings look like they are covered in snow.