Posted by PTravel on 07/03/06 20:54

"Bill Farnsworth" <bill.farnsworth@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:r7fqg.212$nG2.95@trnddc05...
>
> "Richard Crowley" <rcrowley@xpr7t.net> wrote
>> "Bill Farnsworth" wrote ...
>>> In some areas streetlights on minor roads, parking lots and pedestrian
>>> walkways are now being converted over to full spectrum 3200 LEDs.
>>
>> The astronomers must hate that. So much for the International Dark Sky
>> Association
>> http://www.darksky.org/
>> They loved sodium vapor, et.al. because the terrestrial
>> light pollution could be so easily filtered out.
>
> First off, as I and several others have said, Paul's video looks damn fine
> as it.
>
> But I had a bit more of a "think" on this one.
> What's wrong with it.
> Nothing. The street lights came out just as we see them. A bit orange. And
> if there are any Mercury Vaps then they would be green........ just as we
> see them.
> However, what is not being seen as natural (natural for Sodium Vap light,
> that is) is the sky and shadows are not black. They are slightly orange.
> IRL we see the orange (or green) light. But.......... for all intents and
> purposes, we also see the night sky as black.
>
> Now, throw away the black balance issue for a bit and think about this....
>
> When you are shooting under street lights or with street lights in the
> shot, you will have a lens flare issue. Especially a dusty lens or filter.
> And that flare well lighten the image a bit off to the range of the color
> temp of the offending light(s).
>
> With me so far?
>
> So along with everything else that has been suggested make sure the lens
> and filters are dust free.
> Use a larger lens shade.
> And ......... toss a polarizer on that puppy and dial it in a wee bit to
> see what you get.
>
> Bill F.
> www.billfarnsworthvideo.com

Ooooh --- fantastic point! In this instance, the lens was clean, but I
usually don't use a lens shade at night -- I guess I should. It also never
occurred to me to use a polarizer at night -- another great idea!

The lens shade would have been impossible in this instance because I was
using the rain cape on my camera, and it won't accomodate a lens shade.
Also, it was misty and rainy, so there was a lot of light reflection from
the sky.


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