Test Shot

If I'm on time, it's still dark when I get to the overlook every morning.  So I need something to focus on.  The lights of Gurley are convenient at this time of year (because of where the Sun rises).  And just because there's a setting on my camera for it, a 30 second exposure is where I start for a test shot — the first shot of the morning.  Just to make sure I've got it all set up right.  F8, 30 seconds, ISO 400 (just 'cause), self-timer on (to eliminate any camera shake from pressing the shutter) and the white balance on "Daylight".  Press the shutter.

If I've done everything right, I reset the Self Timer selection to 9 shots (the max), press the shutter and see which exposure looks best as the sky gradually lights up while the camera operates itself (on a tripod of course).  9 x 30 seconds = 270 seconds (divided by 60) = 4 and 1/2 minutes of walking laps (or drinking coffee) while the camera does its thing. 

When the test shot looks like this, you know you're in for a good morning.  You have to wait until you get home (or it gets light enough to see) to notice the trees growing into your horizon.

From the overlook at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Nikon D7200 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR

70mm

F8@30 seconds

ISO 400

DSB_7474.JPG

©Don Brown 2024