Using Bulb for Night Photo

[mikedidi1946]

I am having a difficult time understanding the use of 'BULB' for a long exposure. Does that mean that when I am using this setup I will see the exposure change over time until it is at the center. I would really love a simple explanation. Thanks in advance

[Frank-Kautz]

Hello Mike,

Bulb is probably the simplest of all of your camera settings. You click a button and the shutter opens, click it again and it closes. The exposure won't change, just how much light is on your sensor. The biggest issue is knowing how long to let light in. Here is a great article from the Digital Photography School on the subject:

http://digital-photography-school.co...bulb-mode.html

My suggestion is not to worry too much about the exposure metering when using a bulb setting. Once you have the timing down, the pictures will come out where you want them to come out.

Good luck,

Frank

[StephenBatey]

Click and it opens, click again and it closes is the T or "Time" setting. Bulb is click and it stays open until you release the button. Hence, locking cable releases are usually used on camera with no T setting. A locking cable release lets you turn a screw to keep the shutter depressed until you unscrew it again.

As exposure is the product of the amount of light you let in (the aperture) and the length of time you let it in for (the shutter speed) holding the shutter open affects the exposure - by definition.

[mikedidi1946]

Thank you, I have looked into the article and it is so easy to understand I was stunned. Thanks again, as I will try this soon

[Frank-Kautz]

Thanks Stephen, you're right. I use a remote release and tend to forget that I am locking it open.

Frank

Originally Posted by StephenBatey

Click and it opens, click again and it closes is the T or "Time" setting. Bulb is click and it stays open until you release the button. Hence, locking cable releases are usually used on camera with no T setting. A locking cable release lets you turn a screw to keep the shutter depressed until you unscrew it again.

As exposure is the product of the amount of light you let in (the aperture) and the length of time you let it in for (the shutter speed) holding the shutter open affects the exposure - by definition.

[OldBoy]

Doesn't it depent on the wattage of the bulb!

[donoreo]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

Doesn't it depent on the wattage of the bulb!

Thank you! He's here all week folks!