I like to photograph at slow shutter speeds and zoom my lens in and out. So when I learned there was a small carnival at a the Sunrise Mall shopping center, in Citrus Heights, parking lot, my photo buddies and I got down there. We did the same visitation in 2018 and the carnival was much better: more rides, more people and a working Ferris wheel. I think the almost rainy weather may have had something to do with it.
But, I had fun anyway. Here’s some of what I captured that evening.
I’ve got my camera ready for next year. Hopefully there will be a working Ferris wheel and more rides.
Awareness of natural light is essential in photography. Some photographers only go out when the light is optimum. I go out whenever I can and make the best of it! I’ve become good at reducing shadows and highlights in post. This week Amy wants us to show images taken at various times of the day.
Since I rarely get out for a sunrise, mid morning is the time you’ll find me out shooting. Here’s a picture of a painter doing a mural during Sacramento’s Wide Open Wall festival. The sun was in position to show his shadow on the ground and on the wall as he’s painting.
We’re getting slightly later in the morning. This blue heron is facing the sun which lights up his face and beak.
The sunlight streaming through the foliage at Effie Yeaw Nature Center gives this tree expression and beauty. Moss grows where sunlight rarely hits.
And then there’s no sunlight. Folsom Prison looks especially formidable on a foggy day.
We are now approaching sunset time. This is when the light begins what will be a beautiful sunset.
And let’s not forget the darkness. We may not be capturing natural light, but manmade light can be fun and a challenge like this long exposure at Sunrise Mall’s small carnival.
Slow Shutter Speed, that’s the name of this blog. Why? When I began this passion, I was overwhelmed with all of it. I had a feeling that this was going to be a long journey and thought that name was fitting. Of course now, it has another meaning for me: using slow shutter speed to blur objects, create abstracts and to shoot at night.
I love shooting lights at night, playing with the zoom and blurring the motion of whatever I’m shooting. So, when I heard there was a small carnival at a local mall, I took my camera and tripod down there. I had a blast, especially when people stopped and asked me whether I was from a newspaper or magazine! I’m not ready for that, but it was nice to be asked that question.
Then, a couple of nights later, I went to Old Roseville to shoot the two theaters on Vernon Street. Again, I wanted to capture the marquee and play with the zoom effect.
I’m still learning on “slow shudder speed,” but I feel like I’m not taking snapshots any longer.
The carousel at slow shudder speed. You can still see the horses and the mechanism that runs the carousel.
Same carousel but an even slower shudder speed. Where did the horses go?
A zoom on a slow shudder speed creates an abstract.
This looks like a giant top when shot at slow shudder.
Now add the zoom!
Another zoom effect.
This ferris wheel had lights out in one section. You can see the effect.
Slow the shudder speed down more and you get this.
Even slower and the entire wheel is covered in lights.
Here the lights look even more uniform–slower shudder speed.
I needed to use slow shudder speed to get this night shot crisp.
Slow Shutter Speed 