How do photographers do those light trails from cars in pictures of a city?

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WillsW

New member
I mean like this one http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/2518160811_a02146e505.jpg
Do you just have to do a long exposure? Or is it photoshopped?
 
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PictureTaker

New member
That sample is probably no more than about 10-15 seconds, considering the speed of the cars on a highway.

You didn't say what kind of camera you have, but if it's a point and shoot, just put it on auto and let the camera do ths thinking for you.

The best way to do it is to put the camera on a tripod and use the self-timer to release the shutter. If you don't have a tripod, brace your camera on something and hold it as still as you can. If you don't know how to use the self-timer, just hold the shutter button down until the camera is done.
 
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mark_stagi

New member
Its just a long exposure to get that effect. Just get a nice steady tripod and experiment with times ranging from 5 seconds and up. Depending on the exposure you will get different variations of the light trail. Also depending on the time of night and exposure you will get different effects in the sky, check out this photo to see a 30 second exposure where the sky also has a really cool effect to it:
http://digitalphotobuzz.com/awesome-example-of-light-painting-and-portrait
 
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Pocky

New member
it's a long exposure. set the shutter speed to B (or bulb) and hold it for some seconds and you can get those light streaks. but it's best to use a tripod also for that.
 
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