London Eye, High ISO handheld at slow shutter speed of 2sec, crop sensor DSLR

London Eye, High ISO handheld at slow shutter speed of 2sec, crop sensor DSLR, Nikon

London eye High ISO handheld photograph; this photo was taken in the evening of 29th November 2013. With a high ISO of 3200, no tripod used, I used a Nikon D7100 camera.

Little bit about London eye and it’s history.

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England. Here are some details and a brief history:

Construction of the London Eye:

The London Eye, originally named the Millennium Wheel, was constructed as part of the millennium celebrations in 1999 and 2000. It was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, and the engineering firm Arup.

Heights and Dimensions of London eye:

The London Eye stands at a height of 135 meters (443 feet), making it one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world. It has a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet).

Capsules:

The wheel consists of 32 sealed and air-conditioned capsules, representing the 32 London boroughs. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people, providing panoramic views of the city.

Rotation: The London Eye rotates at a slow speed of about 0.9 kilometres per hour (0.6 mph), allowing passengers to embark and disembark without the wheel having to stop.

Views: From the top of the London Eye, visitors can enjoy breath-taking views of London’s skyline, including landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

Iconic Landmark: Since its opening in 2000, the London Eye has become one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a popular tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Ownership and Management:

Merlin Entertainments now owns and operates the London Eye, which was previously operated by British Airways. It is also known as EDF Energy London Eye due to sponsorship reasons.

Renovation: Over the years, the London Eye has undergone several renovations and upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and ensure its safety and longevity.

Cultural Significance: The London Eye has featured in numerous films, television shows, and works of art, further cementing its status as an iconic symbol of London.

Overall, the London Eye stands as a symbol of modern engineering and design, offering visitors a unique perspective of the historic city of London.

How to take a landscape or cityscape photograph in low light condition handheld using a DSLR camera? Image above: London eye High ISO handheld.

Taking landscape or cityscape photographs in low light conditions handheld with a DSLR camera can be challenging but achievable with the right techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you capture stunning images:

Choose the Right Camera Settings for a similar shot of London eye High ISO handheld:

• Start by setting your camera to Manual mode (M) to have full control over the exposure settings.
• Set a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to allow more light to enter the camera. This helps in low-light conditions and also creates a shallow depth of field for artistic effect. But I did use f/11 for this particular photo.
• Increase the ISO sensitivity to a higher value to make the camera’s sensor more sensitive to light. However, be cautious as higher ISO values can introduce noise/grain into your images.
• Use a slower shutter speed to let in more light. However, avoid setting the shutter speed too slow to prevent motion blur, especially if you’re handheld.

Stabilize Your Camera:

• Since you’re shooting handheld, it’s important to minimize camera shake. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
• Use proper handholding techniques: grip the camera firmly with both hands, tuck your elbows into your body, and exhale gently as you press the shutter button to reduce movement.
• Lean against a stable surface like a wall or a railing if available to further stabilize your camera.

Use Image Stabilization (IS):

• Make sure DSLR or lens with image stabilization, also known as vibration reduction, is enabled if you have it. IS helps compensate for small movements and can result in sharper handheld shots, especially at slower shutter speeds.

Focus Carefully:

• Switch your camera to manual focus mode and focus manually if autofocus struggles in low light conditions. Use live view mode and zoom in on the scene to ensure accurate focus on your subject.

Compose Your Shot:

• Look for interesting compositions and framing for your landscape or cityscape photograph. Consider using leading lines, symmetry, or natural frames to enhance the visual impact of your image.
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the best composition.

Capture the Image:

• Press the shutter button gently to avoid camera shake. Try using the camera’s self-timer or a remote shutter release if available to further minimize shaking.
• Take multiple shots with slight variations in settings and composition to increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot.

Review and Adjust:

• Finally, review your images on the camera’s LCD screen and check for exposure, focus, and composition. Make any necessary adjustments and continue shooting if needed.

By following these steps and practicing your handheld photography techniques, you can capture stunning landscape or cityscape photographs in low light conditions using your DSLR camera.

Read about long exposure shooting techniques here