Canon Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Photography Training / Skills Development Milnerton, Cape Town and Cape Peninsula

Fast Shutter Speed / Action Photography Training Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

CTPS

Vernon Canon Photography Training Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

Private Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography tutoring / training courses in Milnerton, Cape Town - or in the comfort of your home / garden anywhere in the Cape Peninsula.

Tailor-made (individual) learning programmes are prepared for specific Canon EOS / EOS R camera and photography requirements with the following objectives:

• Individual Needs / Gear analysis
• Canon EOS camera menus / settings
• Exposure settings and options
• Specific genre applications and skills development
• Practical shooting sessions (where applicable)
• Adobe Lightroom post-processing training
• Ongoing support

Canon Camera / Lens Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R body / lens combination is suitable for most of the training sessions. During initial contact I will determine the learner's current skills, Canon EOS system and other learning / photographic requirements. Many Canon PowerShot camera models are also suitable for creative photography skills development.

Small Butterfly Woodbridge Island - Canon EF 100-400mm Lens

Learning Photography from the comfort of your Own Cape Town Home / Garden More Information

Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden More Information

  

Photography Private Training Classes Milnerton, Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Birds in Flight / Bird Photography Training More
• Canon Speedlite Flash Photography Training More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

Training / demonstrations are done on the client's own Canon EOS bodies attached to various Canon EF / other brand lenses covering wide-angle to zoom focal lengths.

Photography Training Gift Voucher Options

Most photography training sessions are available as Birthday / Christmas Gift training voucher options with a one year validity period. More information

Canon EOS System / Menu  Setup and Training Cape Town

2024 Individual Photography Training Session Cost / Rates >>

From R800-00 per four hour session in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 300-00.

This to be inclusive of up to 12 hours theory / settings training (inclusive: a three hours practical shoot around Woodbridge Island if required).

Canon EOS Cameras / Lenses / Speedlite Flash Training
All Canon EOS cameras from the EOS 1100D to advanced AF training on the Canon EOS 80D to Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. All Canon EOS R Cameras. All Canon EF / EF-S / RF / RF-S and other Canon-compatible brand lenses.  All Canon Speedlite flash units from Canon Speedlite 270EX to Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT (including Macro Ring Lite flash models).

Inaka Island Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-6.6L IS II USM Lens

Advanced Canon EOS Autofocus Training (Canon EOS / EOS R)

For advanced Autofocus (AF) training have a look at the Birds in Flight Photography workshop options. Advanced AF training is available from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EOS 5D Mark IV up to the Canon EOS 1-DX Mark II / III. Most Canon EOS R bodies (i.e. EOS R7, EOS R6, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R5 and EOS R3) will have similar or more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF Systems. Contact me for more information about a specific Canon EOS / EOS R AF System.   

Cape Town Training Schedules / Availability
From Tuesdays - during the day / evening and / or over weekends.

Canon EOS / Close-Up Lens Accessories Training Cape Town

Core Canon Camera / Photography  Learning Areas

• Overview & Specific Canon Camera / Lens Settings
• Exposure Settings for M / Av / Tv Modes
• Autofocus / Manual Focus Options
• General Photography / Lens Selection / Settings
• Transition from JPG to RAW (Reasons why)
• Landscape Photography / Settings / Filters
• Close-Up / Macro Photography / Settings
• Real Estate / Interior Décor Photography Settings
• Speedlite Flash / Flash Modes / Flash Settings
• Digital Image Management

Practical Photography / Application

• Inter-relationship of ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed
• Aperture and Depth of Field demonstration
• Low light / Long Exposure demonstration
• Landscape sessions / Manual focusing
• Speedlite Flash application / technique
• Introduction to Post-Processing

Tailor-made Canon Camera / Photography training to be facilitated on specific requirements after a thorough needs-analysis with individual photographer / or small group.

Typical Learning Areas Agenda

• General Photography Challenges / Fundamentals 
• Exposure Overview (ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed) 
• Canon EOS 70D Menus / Settings (in relation to exposure) 
• Camera / Lens Settings (in relation to application / genres) 
• Lens Selection / Technique (in relation to application / genres) 
• Introduction to Canon Flash / Low Light Photography

Above Learning Areas are facilitated over two sessions or more photography sessions of four hours+ each. Any additional practical photography sessions (if required) will be at an additional pro-rata cost.

Click to Enlarge

Fireworks Display Photography with Canon EOS 6D : Cape Town

Woodbridge Island : Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Creative Photography : Slow Shutter Speed Abstract Application

Perched Pied Kingfisher : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography: Canon EOS 700D / Wide-Angle Lens

Birds in Flight : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens

Persian Portrait : Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Fashion Photography Canon Speedlite flash : Canon EOS 6D @ 70mm

Long Exposure Photography Canon EOS 6D : Milnerton

Close-Up & Macro Photography Cape Town  : Canon EOS 6D

Panning / Slow Shutter Speed: Canon EOS 70D 70-300mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography Cape Town Canon EOS 6D @ f/16

Introducing the Canon EOS R1 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Introducing the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II Cameras : Official Canon Video

Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II

On July 17th, Canon unveiled the new flagship for the R system – the Canon EOS R1 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon Europe Media Release

With its new imaging platform, Action Priority AF and countless new features, it is perfect for demanding sports and action photography and hybrid photo/video creatives. Canon Ambassador, Alex Grymanis, talks through his experience shooting the launch, and product specialist Tibor Szövetes explains the top features of this stunning new camera. In addition, the best just got better – the Canon EOS R5 Mark II with its new 45mp backside illuminated sensor, 8k 60p filmmaking capabilities and simultaneous photo and video modes is the go-to choice for those who want to master the moment.

Filmmaker and director, Ant Rubinstein, talks through what it was like to create with the camera, and product specialist, Aron Randhawa, goes in-depth on why this is the ultimate tool for hybrid content makers. And finally, we took a look at the wider R system – the new Canon EOS C400 for pro-filmmakers, the RF-S 3.9mm F3. 5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C VR lens and new hybrid RF 35mm F1.4L VCM lens. (Source: Canon Europe)

Canon EOS R1: https://canon.sm/4f6sRxy

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: https://canon.sm/3LogajZ

Video Contents

• Canon EOS R System Recap
• Canon EOS R1 Intro
• Canon EOS R1 Tech Run Through
• Canon Alexandros Grymanis on the EOS R1
• Canon EOS R5 Mark II Intro
• Cabob EOS R5 Mark II Tech Run Through
• Anthony Rubinstein on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
• Canon EOS C400
• Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Intro
• Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Film

Video Source: Canon USA YouTube Channel

Latest Free Canon Digital Photo Professional Editing Software

Canon DPP 4.18.10 is Compatible with Canon EOS R8 / Canon EOS R6 Mark II / Canon EOS R7 / Canon EOS R10 / Canon EOS R50

Latest Canon DPP Compatible with Canon CR1, CR2 and CR3 RAW Files - Windows and Mac

Download Canon DPP Editing Software as Alternative to Adobe Lightroom CC

Download Canon DPP 4.18.10 For Windows

Download Canon DPP 4.18.10 For Mac

For Canon EOS and Powershot Photographers
Latest Free Canon Desktop Digital Photo Professional (DPP) JPG / RAW Photo Editing Suite.

Canon Digital Photo Professional Outline
Digital Photo Professional 4 is a genuine, Canon-made application for browsing, selecting, and developing RAW images. It is equipped with various image adjustment functions in the Picture Style format and allows the user to make speedy image adjustments with freedom. (Source: Canon Asia)

Why use Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Software? Canon EOS Magazine

Canon Digital Photo Professional Tutorials: How to use Canon DPP 4 Editing Software

Adobe Camera Raw vs. Canon Digital Photo Professional View

Will work with the older Canon CR1 / CR2 and new CR3 RAW files from the Canon EOS R3 / Canon EOS R5 / Canon EOS R6 / Canon EOS R6 Mark II / Canon EOS R7/ Canon EOS R8 / Canon EOS R10 / Canon EOS R50

The latest versions of the free Canon Desktop Digital Photo Professional software (Ver 4.18.10)

Download Links are available from the Canon Europe website for both Windows and Mac.

Currently there is a Desktop Digital Photo Professional Express App for iPad, but no Android version.

Please note:  a Canon EOS / Powershot camera serial number may be required to enable the software download.

Or alternatively update can be performed directly from an older version of Digital Photo Professional. Go Help and Check for Updates.

Latest Canon Digital Photo Professional DPP Windows / Mac Download Links

For Windows Desktop  Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.18.10 for Windows >>

For Apple Mac Desktop Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.18.10 for Mac >>

Apple iPad App Digital Photo Professional Express App for iPad >>

PDF Instruction Manuals Canon Digital Photo Professional PDF User Manual Downloads >>

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 4.18.10 Supported Models

Canon EOS R Cameras
 EOS R3, EOS R5 C, EOS R5, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R6 EOS R7, EOS R8, EOS R10, EOS R50, EOS Ra, EOS R, EOS RP

Canon EOS / EOS Kiss Cameras

EOS Kiss X10i / EOS REBEL T8i / EOS 850D, EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS 90D, EOS Kiss X10 / EOS REBEL SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D II, EOS D2000 *, EOS D6000 *, EOS D30, EOS D60, EOS 10D, EOS Kiss Digital / EOS Digital REBEL / EOS 300D Digital, EOS REBEL T100 / EOS 4000D / EOS 3000D, EOS Kiss X90 / EOS REBEL T7 / EOS 2000D / EOS 1500D, EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS-1D X, EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1D C, EOS-1D, EOS 80D, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 70D, EOS 6D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 60Da, EOS 60D, EOS 5DS R, EOS 5DS, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 5D, EOS 50D, EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 20Da, EOS 20D, EOS 9000D / EOS 77D, EOS 8000D / EOS REBEL T6s / EOS 760D, EOS Kiss X9i / EOS REBEL T7i / EOS 800D, EOS Kiss X9 / EOS REBEL SL2 / EOS 200D, EOS Kiss X8i / EOS REBEL T6i / EOS 750D, EOS Kiss X80 / EOS REBEL T6 / EOS 1300D, EOS Kiss X7i / EOS REBEL T5i / EOS 700D, EOS Kiss X70 / EOS REBEL T5 / EOS 1200D / EOS Hi, EOS Kiss X7 / EOS REBEL SL1 / EOS 100D, EOS Kiss X6i / EOS REBEL T4i / EOS 650D, EOS Kiss X50 / EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D, EOS Kiss X5 / EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D, EOS Kiss X4 / EOS REBEL T2i / EOS 550D, EOS Kiss X3 / EOS REBEL T1i / EOS 500D, EOS Kiss X2 / EOS REBEL XSi / EOS 450D, EOS Kiss F / EOS REBEL XS / EOS 1000D, EOS Kiss Digital X / EOS Digital REBEL XTi / EOS 400D Digital, EOS Kiss Digital N / EOS Digital REBEL XT / EOS 350D Digital *: Can now handle CR2 files converted with the CR2 Converter.

Canon EOS M Cameras

EOS Kiss M2 / EOS M50 II, EOS M200, EOS M6 Mark II, EOS Kiss M / EOS M50, EOS M100, EOS M10, EOS M6, EOS M5, EOS M3, EOS M2, EOS M

Canon PowerShot Cameras
PowerShot G5 X Mark II, PowerShot G7 X Mark III, PowerShot SX70 HS, PowerShot G16, PowerShot G15, PowerShot G12, PowerShot G11, PowerShot G10, PowerShot G9 X Mark II, PowerShot G9 X, PowerShot G9, PowerShot G7 X Mark II, PowerShot G7 X, PowerShot G5 X, PowerShot G3 X, PowerShot G1 X Mark III, PowerShot G1 X Mark II, PowerShot G1 X, PowerShot SX60 HS, PowerShot SX50 HS, PowerShot SX1 IS, PowerShot S120, PowerShot S110, PowerShot S100V, PowerShot S100, PowerShot S95, PowerShot S90

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 4.18.10 for Windows Sample Image Editing Screen Grab

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 4.18.10 for Windows Sample Image Interface

Windows Operating System :  Windows 11 (Should Also be Compatible with Windows 10)

Free Canon Editing Software Suite - Canon Digital Photo Professional For Windows | Mac

Canon Digital Photo Professional DPP Download For Windows / Apple Mac

Canon Digital Photo Professional Software

"Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) is a software application developed by Canon Inc. It's primarily used for editing and managing Canon RAW image files. DPP is often bundled with Canon cameras and is available for download from Canon's website.

Key features of Digital Photo Professional include:

• RAW image processing: DPP allows users to process RAW image files captured by Canon cameras, enabling adjustments to exposure, white balance, contrast, sharpness, and other parameters without altering the original image data.

• Batch processing: Users can apply edits to multiple images simultaneously, streamlining workflow efficiency.

• Lens correction: DPP includes features for correcting lens aberrations such as distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting, providing tools to enhance image quality.

• Digital lens optimizer: This feature is designed to correct various optical imperfections specific to Canon lenses, helping to improve overall image quality.

• Image viewing and selection: DPP provides tools for reviewing and selecting images, making it easier for photographers to manage their photo libraries.

• Compatibility: The software is compatible with various Canon camera models and RAW file formats, ensuring broad support for Canon photographers.

Overall, Canon Digital Photo Professional is a powerful tool for photographers who shoot in RAW format with Canon cameras, offering comprehensive editing and management capabilities tailored to the needs of Canon users." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Peregrine falcon outside my Window

Returning Peregrine Falcon to Milnerton, Woodbridge Island

For many, this image, may not hold any real significance, but for the observant of 'my' (any) Peregrine falcon, this is a worthwhile silhouette.

During the past week, my closest neighbour, the Peregrine falcon, 'came home’, to his bathroom window preference, much earlier than usual. Can’t fault him, he also departed much later in the morning, 08:45+ vs. 05:30 lately.

Can’t blame him... here in Cape Town - with the current winter weather. He's been 'sleeping-in' for a few mornings lately. First time ever...

What he did manage to achieve (constantly) was a nightly state of ‘Load Shedding’ around him (ito my own living arrangements). It’s ‘lights-out’ when he is here – and that is about every night. The fridge light is (the) maximum light…

Peregrine falcon with Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens @ f/2.8 in Manual Mode (way past sunset during this week).

Arnhem, Milnerton, Cape Town. (12 Floors above Loxton Road)

The Peregrine Falcon: Fastest Bird in the World

Peregrine Falcon with Catch Outside My Window

Returning Peregrine Falcon to Milnerton, Woodbridge Island

The Pedigree Falcon, one or the Top Flying Birds in the World

Canon Long Exposure | Night Photography Setup & Tips

Learning Canon Long Exposure / Night Photography Skills Development

Fireworks Long Exposure Photography : Canon EOS 6D Bulb Mode

Using Canon EOS 6D for Bulb Mode | Long Exposure Photography >>

Canon EOS 6D Night Photography 2024 Samples in Av and Bulb Mode Woodbridge Island >> 

Long Exposure Photography with CTPS at Milnerton Beach

Long Exposure Photography | Fireworks Photography Setup / Tips

Longer shutter speeds / long exposures are most often applied when shooting i.e. after sunset, night photography and / or fireworks. The photographer will use longer shutter speeds to capture a low / fading / after-sunset or a night / or fireworks composition - all of which could provide for some really dramatic exposure effects. I personally use long exposure photography mostly for night photography (after sunset / before sunrise - as I like to call it, the Blue Hours) and firework displays.

Long exposures (during daylight) are also achievable with the use of filters (see section on ND filters).

Not just for DSLR Cameras
Long exposure photography is not limited to DSLR cameras only, but will indeed be possible with some compact / bridge cameras (ie. the Canon PowerShot G and SX Series) and should be tried. Even with shutter speed limitations of 15 seconds on many of the Canon SX-series compact cameras.

Some compact cameras have very short shutter open / close times while others can do exposures up to 15 to 30 seconds - more than enough to experiment with (eve for fireworks Photograph). 

Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Milnerton Beach, Cape Town

Av Mode Preference (for controlling aperture)
Creating long exposures for my 'Table Mountain After Sunset / Sea Point Seascapes " shots I generally use Av Mode (Aperture Value) on the mode dial (also called Aperture priority mode). Av Mode provides user control over lens aperture size ie. f/11 or f/16, but the camera will select the most appropriate shutter speed (ie. 1 or 10 seconds). You can also use Manual Mode (you control Aperture / Shutter speed / ISO) or Time Value Mode or Tv Mode on the mode dial (you control shutter speed and the camera decide on the aperture ie. f/11 or f/16).

Low ISO's for minimizing noise and don't forget the tripod
For night photography it is recommended to set your camera to ISO 100 or ISO 200 for minimizing unwanted digital noise. Due to the longer exposure time generated by the camera it will be required to use a sturdy tripod for preventing unnecessary camera movements. A quality tripod is always a good investment - do the necessary research and get the best you can afford. I currently use a Manfrotto 190X MK190X3-3W (804RC2 pan/tilt head) for all my night / landscape photography requirements.

Milnerton Lighthouse after sunset (light trails) : From Arnhem, Milnerton

Shutter speed
There is also 'Bulb mode' an extended shutter speed mode selection available in Manual or Tv mode (not in Av mode) - meaning there is a manual time-setting which you can control the shutter for opening and closing for up to a few hours if you want (will require external power supply). In Canon (some EOS model inTv or M Mode) just dial past the 30 seconds general 'limit'. Think star trails - exposure time of +- 30 minutes and longer. Or if you want exact shutter time control when shooting fireworks (say 3 to 8 seconds, but you control it). On the enthusiast and professional EOS DSLR's Bulb mode is a separate exposure function on the mode dial and of great assistance for long exposure photography.

For many Long Exposure (Night Photograph) images Av mode is sufficient for shooting with apertures between f/11 - f/22 (these apertures will provide enough depth of field (DOF) / back to front sharpness across the entire frame - and is based on general landscape photography apertures). 

Note: The camera will automatically assign a longer shutter time as the light fade and / or as I adjust the aperture to a larger f/(stop) value (ie. from f/11 to f/16 to let even less light onto the camera's image sensor).

Shutter Speed limitation in Av / Tv / Manual Mode
Most DSLR's, certainly Canon APS-C and Full Frame bodies are limited to 30 seconds exposure time (in all shooting modes), In most cases this is long enough, but for manual shutter speed / exposure control it is recommended to use Bulb Mode with a cable or remote release. Long Exposure / 30 seconds auto-shutter release in Av Mode. Canon EOS 6D Demo>>

20 Seconds Exposure Photography - Sea Point Cape Town

Bulb Mode
Most modern DSLR's will have a separate Bulb Mode (on the Mode Dial). By using Bulb Mode the photographer can specify a predetermined exposure time / shutter speed by manually controlling the shutter speed or by using a cable or remote release.

I use the the Canon RS-80N3 Cable Remote Cable Release Switch for allowing manual opening and closing control of the shutter release time. Bulb Mode is an important functionality for using for Fireworks Photography for capturing various exposure times during the duration of a fireworks display. Canon EOS 6D Bulb Mode>>

Capturing / Shooting Fireworks

Fireworks Long Exposure Photography  Bulb Mode : Over Table Bay

For the photo on the right  - Fireworks with a Zoom Lens - I used a Canon EOS 700D and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens with the following settings: Bulb Mode ISO 100, Aperture f/8. Manual focus with Remote Shutter Release (Bulb) and Manfrotto Compact Tripod (+- 1 kilometer from the fireworks show).

More Fireworks

• Fireworks V&A Waterfront Cape Town 2014 >>
• Fireworks V&A Waterfront Cape Town 2015 >>
• Fireworks V&A Waterfront Cape Town 2016 >>

Fireworks with a Compact Camera (using the Fireworks Scene Mode)

Many compacts, such as the Canon Powershot series cameras (ie. SX40 HS / SX50 HS / SX60 HS) will offer a Fireworks Scene Mode - an automatic mode for controlling the required fireworks / scene exposure. 

Remote Control
The Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Control (optional) accessory is a very cost-effective solution that I use for most of my long exposure photography (paired with Canon EOS 700D / EOS 70D / EOS 6D and various lenses). There are various other compatible wired / wireless remote controls on the market. Lately I prefer the Canon RS-80N3 Cable Remote Cable Release (for timing accuracy).

Remote Canon EOS / PowerShot Shooting via Android / iOS App
Another option to shoot with a remote Android / iOS App (should the camera have WiFi / NFC functionality). This will work well for Night Photography for i.e. a landscape scene, but is not very effective to simulate Bulb Mode for .i.e. Fireworks Photography.

How do I set my Canon camera for Long Exposure Photography?

My Camera / Lens settings for Night Photography using Av Mode (Architecture / Landscapes / Seascapes)

Camera

• Canon body: EOS 6D (Any DSLR / Mirrorless should be fine)
• Aperture Priority / Av Mode
• Aperture: f/11 - f/16 (controlled by the photographer)
• ISO 100 - 200  (Not auto-ISO)
• Shutter Speed: Up to 30 seconds (camera controlled)
• Switch Long Exposure Noise Reduction off 
• Set remote timer on / use remote control (optional)
• Set camera to Live View (to view everything on the LCD screen)
• Canon RS-80N3 Cable Remote Switch
• Manfrotto Tripod 190X MK190X3-3W

Lens

• Preferred lenses: Canon EF 24-70mm lens / Canon EF 16-35mm lens
• Zoom in / out until satisfied with whats in the frame
• Turn Image Stabilization off (if an IS lens)- Turn Auto-Focus (AF) off
• Hyperfocal Distance calculation / estimation 'rule of thumb'

My Camera / Lens settings for Night Photography / Fireworks using Bulb Mode

Camera

• Canon body: EOS 6D (Any DSLR / Mirrorless should be fine)
• Bulb Mode (as a Manual Mode setting)
• Aperture: f/8 - f/16 (controlled by the photographer)
• ISO 100 - 200  (Not auto-ISO)
• Shutter Speed: 1 sec - a few minutes (controlled by the photographer)
• Switch Long Exposure Noise Reduction off 
• Set remote timer on / use remote control (optional)
• Set camera to Live View (to view everything on the LCD screen)
• Canon RS-80N3 Cable Remote Switch
• Manfrotto Tripod 190X MK190X3-3W

Lens

• Preferred lenses: Canon EF 24-70mm lens / EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM lens
• Zoom in / out until satisfied with perspective / framing
• Turn Image Stabilization off (if an IS lens)- Turn Auto-Focus (AF) off 
• Hyperfocal Distance calculation / estimation 'rule of fhumb'

Manual Focus in Live View Mode

Canon EOS 6D Manual Focus ISO 100 / f/16 20 seconds Milnerton Lagoon

Check that your subject foreground and background is in focus (for deep Depth of Field / small aperture sharpness) by adjusting the zoom on barrel of lens / or zoom ring in front (this will be camera and lens-dependent). Use Hyperfocal Distance measuring (or the Hyperfocal Distance 'rule of thumb' estimation.

I generally magnify the scene in the LCD screen and fine-tune the midpoint to background until satisfied with focus.

Camera Shake / Steadiness
The camera will take between 2 to 15 seconds or longer to complete the exposure and therefore the complete camera system should not be moved / touched. Even a slight breeze will influence the final image ito possible blurriness or unsharp image quality.

Using long shutter release times towards a second or longer will, without doubt, increase camera shake. A sturdy tripod will assist in keeping the camera absolute as still as possible. I use the Canon Remote Shutter Release to fire the shutter - assists with not touching the camera. My tripod of choice: Manfrotto Tripod 190X MK190X3-3W

Canon EOS 700D  Manual Focus ISO 100 f/16 30 seconds : Milnerton Beach

When the sun is setting fast...
I generally wait until after the sun is behind the horizon and start a few tests by just pressing the shutter half-way to see what shutter speed the camera will provide. So I wait for 4 to 5 seconds before I press the remote release for the camera to start the exposure. Camera will process the photo and you will be able to see result in Live View / on the LCD.

As it get darker the camera will meter less available light and automatically increase the shutter speed to 5 then 6 and more seconds sometimes beyond 30 seconds - all of these exposure times will lead to camera shake if not on tripod. The Tripod counters this and provides for blur-free and noise-free images.

I generally take about 20 shots between 5 and 30 to 40 seconds.

Sea Point Cape Town  ND64 Filter .5 seconds : Sea Point Cape Town

Using ND Filters for Longer Daytime Exposures
Its also possible to use Neutral Density (ND) filters for reducing light entering the lens / camera (during daylight shooting). There are different screw-in or slot-in type filters each with different optical densities / f-stop reductions ie ND2 = 1 stop of light, ND16 = 4 stops of light and ND64 = 6 stops of light. 

I personally use a Hoya 77mm Pro ND64 Filter for capturing longer day time exposures with a Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Ultra-Wide lens. The image on right was captured with the Hoya filter (for creating silky-looking water during daylight - quite a while before sunset).

Av Mode (Canon EOS 6D):

• ISO 100 - 200
• Aperture f/16
• Shutter Speed +- .5 second 
• Focal length +- 25mm 
• Manfrotto Tripod

 Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Original Post  Arnhem, Milnerton

Photographing the moon with a compact camera tips
Shooting the moon tends to be be very popular for DSLR and compact camera photographers when they're starting out and / or testing the sharpness of their lenses.

The adjacent moon capture was created with a non-DSLR Canon PowerShot SX40 HS super-zoom compact (Milnerton, Cape Town) with the following settings (with no post-processing):

Av Mode:

• ISO 200 
• Aperture f/8 
• Shutter Speed +- 1 second 
• Focal length +- 2200mm 
• Manfrotto Tripod 

My Go-To Settings for Night Photography

• Canon EOS DSLR body (APS-C or Full Frame) 
• Canon EF Ultra-Wide / Wide / Telephoto Lens (between 16-300mm) 
• RAW / In-camera noise reduction turned off 
• LCD / Live View for focusing (not OVF) 
• Manual Focus / Image Stabilization off 
• ISO 100-200 
• Aperture f/8 - f/16 
• Shutter Speed +1-30 Seconds (or Bulb mode) 
• Remote release or 2-Second Self-Timer 
• Manfrotto 190 Tripod

Long Exposure | Night Photography

"Long exposure in night photography is a technique used to capture images in low-light conditions by keeping the camera's shutter open for an extended period. This method allows more light to hit the camera's sensor, resulting in brighter and more detailed photos in dark environments.

When using long exposure for night photography, here are some key points to consider:

1. Stability: Use a tripod to keep the camera steady during the long exposure. This helps prevent blur caused by hand movement.

2. Shutter Speed: Longer exposure times, typically ranging from a few seconds to several minutes, are used to gather enough light in low-light situations. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired effect.

3. Aperture:  A wide aperture (lower f-stop number) allows more light to enter the lens, aiding in capturing brighter images.

4. ISO:  While a higher ISO setting makes the camera more light-sensitive, it can introduce more digital noise. Try to find a balance between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to get the best results.

5. Remote Shutter Release or Timer: To avoid camera shake when triggering the shutter, use a remote shutter release or the camera's built-in timer to start the exposure.

6. Composition:  Pay attention to composition and framing. Since the exposure time is longer, ensure that the elements in the frame will work well together for the duration of the exposure.

7. Experimentation: Long exposure photography is an art that often involves experimentation and practice. Don't hesitate to try different settings and compositions to achieve the desired result.

Subjects that work well for long exposure night photography include cityscapes with moving cars, star trails, light trails, or serene landscapes under moonlight.

Remember, the settings you use will depend on the specific conditions you're shooting in, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Practice and experimentation will help you hone your skills and achieve the desired effects in your night photography." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Below are various captures from Fireworks / Ferris Wheel / various long exposure captures all required shutter speeds of 8 - 30 seconds.

(Click to Enlarge / Slideshow)

Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm Lens f/16 / ISO 200 / 53 seconds

Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm Lens f/16 / ISO 100 / 30 seconds 

Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm Lens f/16 / ISO 100 / 20 seconds 

Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm Lens f/16 / ISO 100 / 20 seconds 

Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens f/16 / ISO 100 8 seconds

Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens f/16 / ISO 100 10 seconds

Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens f/11 ISO 100 8 seconds

Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens f/4.5 ISO 800 (handheld)

Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens f/18 ISO 100 30 seconds

Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens f/18 ISO 100 20 seconds

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS f/8 ISO 100 15 seconds

Photography Training: Introduction to the Exposure Triangle - ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed View