Playing with my camera
by Dan Furman on March 6, 2009
First really warm night of the year, and I was out playing with my camera. I got a Nikon D80 over the winter, and have been really enjoying learning how it works and such. I recently bought a tripod too, so I can take some stable night shots.
This was taken about 11:00pm - that’s my 100+ year old oak tree in the foreground, and obviously the moon peeking out behind it. Out of about 25 shots with various settings, this was the best (I’m finding out that’s how it works with photography - you take 20+ shots to get that one killer shot).
I love this camera and tripod - I’ve pointed various crappy cameras at the night sky for years, and never got anything nice. First night out with this setup, and I get this (you can click it to make it bigger):
I’m a bit disappointed that the corner of the house, and the electrical wire are in it (lower left) - I suppose I could retouch them out, but that’s too much like work. This is what I saw, so this is what I shot. Yea, you pros are laughing that this shot impresses me, but I’m new at this - gimme some time 
So what does this have to do with business and marketing? Nothing. It’s Friday night - time to relax!!
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Dan Furman is a professional writer, author, entrepreneur, business consultant, and all around good guy (so they say.)
March 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I like this shot! Great atmosphere. Kinda spooky but beautiful, too. For whatever it’s worth, with photoshop the wire and the roof would be a pretty easy and fast fix with the clone stamp. I’m glad you’re enjoying the camera and learning stuff too.
March 9th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Nice shot!
There are two techniques I use for nighttime shots when I don’t have a tripod.
One is to lean against a wall or fence so the camera is steady. I can still angle my shot but it’s more stable. (I still use the breathing and feather touch techniques below when I lean against something)
The other is based off a breathing exercise I heard Olympic sharpshooters use. I use this when there’s nothing stationary to lean against.
Hold the camera up to your eyes (obviously).
Press your arms against your chest so your body is keeping your arms stable.
Become aware of your breathing.
Breath slow.
Press the snapshot button as far as you can without activating the shot.
Breath out slowly.
Press the button even so gently at the end of the breath out.
This assumes you set the camera for the right conditions.
I get great nighttime shops with this technique.
But again… great shop. It’s very haunting.