posted 11-21-2013 08:42 AM               

1. Use a tripod.
   
2. Use a cable release, if available, to avoid jiggling the camera. (Alternatively, you could use the shutter's self-timer, but you might miss a few seconds of ascent waiting for the shutter to open.)
   
3. You can use the bulb 'B' exposure setting, or select your camera's longest shutter setting (i.e. 30 seconds).
   
4. Use a fast speed setting of at least iso 400.
   
5. Use a moderately fast aperture setting, say f5.6, but not too wide open as it will help compensate for minor focusing errors.
   
6. Pre-focus if possible. If there's enough light to focus on the horizon, do so. If not, use the moon or a bright planet or star - whatever's available. Once focused, switch to manual focus so that the camera won't go crazy trying to focus when you want to take the shot.
   
7. Once you've seen a launch from a given site you'll know which direction to point the camera next time.

posted 11-21-2013 03:58 PM               

So, if you are tying to take a shot of a rocket at night, that will be a tough row to hoe. The problem is, the brightness of the flame is going to either overexpose or underexpose the rest of the frame. For example, if you try to expose to get the rocket in the dark, the flame will be severely overexposed. On the other hand, if you shut down your exposure to get something of the flame, you will lose the ship and probably most of the rest of the scene. So it would be best to overexpose the flame and go for the rest of the scene.

To do that, since the rocket will be moving (quite quickly actually), you'll want a SHORT shutter speed to stop the motion. But to do that at night, you'll need very fast film (minimum ASA 800, probably 1600 or even 3200 if you an do it). That will then allow for shorter shutter speeds and smaller apertures (4.0-5.6 would be ideal for this). And to do this, a GOOD tripod and a cable release is MANDATORY!

As far as focus, let your camera stabilize at the outside temperature and then find something at the infinity focus point. Then lock the focus there. I say find something at infinity and then lock it because at cooler temps, you can actually focus BEYOND infinity. So just moving the focus to the "infinity" mark and locking it could actually be very blurred.

In any event, good luck and be prepared to experiment. All cameras are different and all have their nuances.

posted 11-22-2013 12:01 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Gonzo:
Glint - your rule 3 is only good for stationary objects or at least objects that move VERY slowly (like the stars/moon). The problem is, with a long shutter time, the object moves and becomes blurred. Since the OP was asking about a launch, a long shutter time would give him/her a long streak as the craft moves through the sky.

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posted 11-22-2013 10:03 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by mjanovec:
Click on the link that Glint provided and it will become clear that he was purposly describing how to take a "long streak" photo.

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posted 11-22-2013 12:15 PM               

The truth is though, he did thank us for all our suggestions. And IF he had been closer, my suggestions might have mattered. But as it is, for a distance shot where you are aiming (sorry for the pun) an arch shot, Glint's suggestions are certainly valid.