This is my first attempt at using the second curtain technique on my 10D with 550EX. What did I do right; what did I do wrong. Input is very welcomed! This shot is the best of the 5 shots I got in that night.
I shot it around 6 in the evening so there was a fair amount of ambient light. The setting were:
Canon 10D
Canon 24-70L 2.8
Canon 550EX
Focal Lenght 27mm
Shutter Priority
Shutter 1/30
Aperture 2.8
ISO 200
Photoshop burn tool to blacken the grass area on the bottom of the image.
Before we tell you what you did right or did wrong, tell us what you were trying to do. I get the 2nd curtain technique, but is this image anywhere near what you were shooting for? Honestly, I like the shot...I would actually have liked a little more motion blur with the cycle........
The image is what I was after; I guess. As I stated, it was my first attempt at the second curtain technique. I guess my question is did I get it right? I guessed at the settings. Is there a rule of thumb so to speak when shooting second curtain images. You stated that you would like to see more motion in the bike. How would I achieve that? What would I have to change in my setting to get more motion in the bike while maintaining the clarity of the rider?
Thanks Derek! I wish I could say my boarders are a very creative process that I've spent a very long time developing. I can't, I use Etensis Photoframes. It's quick, very cool and very over priced for what it is.
just lengthen the shutter speed a little....the flash should give you the clarity or sharpness of the rider in the shot. Might have to adjust the f stop a little...but not too bad at all.. Like I said...looks good. I like it...
Keep in mind that when you're panning with a subject, first or second curtain sync really doesn't make a difference. The placement of the blur is based on how fast or slow you are at panning. You did end up with the blur behind the flash on this one, but that's not because of the sync setting, it's just that you were panning in a way that put it after the subject. Second curtain sync will really make an impact when the camera is either still, or panning at a slower rate than the subject. That said, I really like how the shot turned out. The warm colors of the shirt and skintones nicely compliment the background. I like the trees and other stuff in the background because it gives a sense of height, and speed.
