Travel photographer Lauren Bath shares her handy techniques on how to capture Sydney at its grandest: during the Vivid lights festival, which finishes on Monday.
Sydney CBD from the Bridge Climb
How to take a similar shots:
-ISO between 200-400
-aperture at f11
-shutter speed at 30 seconds
Main challenges from the Bridge Climb:
-time constraints due to groups of climbers going up and down through one pathway
-restricted movement and limited space
General tips:
-have an idea of what compositions you want to produce so you save yourself from trial and errors
Sydney Harbour Bridge
How to take similar shots:
-ISO decreased to 100 or below
-aperture shut to f22
-shutter speed on bulb mode, exposing from 2-3 minutes
Main challenges of photographing the Sydney Harbour Bridge:
-finding a very stable ground to avoid any shake on the camera
-unpredictable movement (such as ferries) in the frame that can affect your final image
General tips:
-use a tripod and a remote control so even you are not touching the camera during exposure
-use neutral density filters if needed
Sydney Opera House
How to take similar shots:
-ISO between 1600-3200
-aperture at f2.8
-shutter speed no slower than 1/4 second
Main challenge of photographing the Sydney Opera House:
-getting sharp images as the projection moves very quickly
General tips:
-use a tripod to get stable shots
-go closer to the projector to get the rays; stand right below the projector to get the rays coming from above
BBC Life at Argyle Street
Main challenges of photographing the BBC Life Presentation at Argyle Street
-getting the right colours when attempting a more abstract image from the projection
-having the subject/person stand very still whilst exposing the image for 30 seconds
General tips:
-use a tripod to get the stability you want
-rather than getting still images from the projection, experiment with abstract images
Museum of Contemporary Art facade
How to take similar shots:
-ISO between 1600-3200
-aperture at f1.4
-shutter speed at 1/200
-35mm prime lens
Main challenges of photographing the MCA:
-high density crowds
-quick-moving projections
-finding a simple composition
General tips:
-try shooting handheld for ease in movement
-go closer to the building and look for interesting images up close
Customs House
Main challenge of photographing Customs House:
-crowd density
General tips:
-shoot with a tripod if space allows
-keep your compositions simple (the projections and the shape of the building is interesting enough!)
Darling Harbour
Main challenge of photographing the Darling Harbour lights and water show:
-keeping compositions uncluttered
-crowd density
-capturing the fireworks with the colours that you want
General tips:
-shoot fireworks on bulb mode whilst timing;
-or, have your shutter speed at half a second up and take multiple shots
-look for a spot where you can get a wide view of the show