runway lights questions: o/t

[Nathan]

Here's one:



I tried getting these developed but they didn't turn out good. Any suggestions on getting digial photos of night shots looking good on photo paper?

[Holedigger]

If you are shooting in RAW digital, you can pull a lot more detail out and play with the light dark balance, fill light, recover blown out light areas and lots more. If jpg file, you can still go in and play with curves to pull some of the detail and balance around. Night shots are a tricky world unto their own.

[Nathan]

This photo has been auto fixed.

[Holedigger]

Here is is with some "Curves" adjustments thrown at it. (Photoshop)

[The Inspector]

You might try shooting just a minute or two after sunset (or after the sun drops below the hill tops) so the sky is a bit more 'active' (blues, purples, reds, gold tinted clouds, etc. anything to make it wake up and add interest) and the hills a bit more defined, again try to get a bit of height, even 10 feet on top of a truck will give a much better perspective and depth of field so the viewer is looking down the runway, not at the runway you want to 'tease' the viewer, it's like why doesn't my flop burger from McGaggers look like the one in the TV ads? teasing is the answer. Then play with it in photoshop to change tints and shadings. but first efforts look like you are on the right track!

[Nathan]

The airport manager said I could turn the lights on whenever I want. But asked if I had a hand held. I am guessing she ment radio. So my next question is what kind do I need and can I get one at a reasonable price?

Thanks,
Nathan

P.S. I have taken night shots before. I do ok I think but never have tried to get them developed into print before. Posting the photos dont do any justice. they look better on my picture project flown up. Forums always compress the files.

[The Inspector]

From around $200.00 and up (in some cases, WAY UP), check with the GOOGLE machine or AMAZON.

[Nathan]

From around $200.00 and up (in some cases, WAY UP), check with the GOOGLE machine or AMAZON.

Thanks Inspector.