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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Best time for graveyard shots?
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Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
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 11/29/2005 07:07:40 AM · #1
We have a TON of old old graveyards around here. There's one back in the woods about a block from our house that I'd like to do some shooting at. Problem is it's mostly in the shade and I'm not sure what time of day is best. Also, what mode- apart from RAW, should I shoot it in? I plan on converting them to black and white anyways.
 11/29/2005 07:09:52 AM · #2
Maybe very early in the morning, with some fog, or just before dark ?
 11/29/2005 07:10:40 AM · #3
even with all the shade?
11/29/2005 07:13:10 AM · #4
I think shade gives an extra dimention to it. I've never done it before so i'm not talking from experience, I just think what's best or what I would do. :-)
 11/29/2005 08:13:46 AM · #5
Well I suppose I will try to go tomorrow morning and see what becomes of it. There's some that are over 300 years old and I'd really like to do something neat. Not sure what lol.
 11/29/2005 08:31:43 AM · #6
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a wonderful shot. If natural light is unavailable, you might consider bringing artificial light with you. I've seen some cool things done with one of those super-duper high powered flashlights.

Since your subjects aren't moving, you could experiment with longer shutter speeds to see what effect you get.
 11/29/2005 08:38:52 AM · #7
I prefer the late afternoon, you can get very interesting light scenaries; and of course you can stay up until the night sets in... ;^)
 11/29/2005 09:11:58 AM · #8
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Message edited by author 2006-08-12 22:09:08.
 11/29/2005 09:25:16 AM · #9
If you live near to these graveyards go at all different times of the day. Light is constantly changing, and you have a real oppurtunity for many different styles of dramatically lit stones. Painting with light as A1275 suggested would be be pretty cool. Some strong afternoon shadow play could be cool, you just have to be careful not to lose your subject in the shadows. Late afternoon lighting can also be very dramatic as rgarciah55 suggested. Also if you can wait, shoot by the light of a full moon. Oh man, now I'm really envious of you. Good luck!

Message edited by author 2005-11-29 09:32:45.
 11/29/2005 09:27:36 AM · #10
OMG! I just went out yesterday and photographed an old graveyard with 1700-1800 headstones. The weather was gloomy and the clouds were ominous, made for a great day for the subject matter! I'm getting ready to post a couple on my portfolio soon. Such great achitecture from those days!
 11/29/2005 09:36:06 AM · #11
Why...of course when are the ghouls and ghosts are walking around silly!
 11/29/2005 10:01:12 AM · #12
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Message edited by author 2006-08-12 22:09:26.
 11/29/2005 12:26:58 PM · #13
Originally posted by Drummie:
Oh how I wish I lived close to you (assuming your in Seattle from your SN). You say some are 300 yrs. old? Man oh man........I've photographed a few of my ancestors stones from the late 1700's, and depending on the nationality & if they're still legible, they are really neat - especially the old German ones. Please post a pic so we can see!
Depending on how wooded the area is, I know some areas where it's too thick for any light, you might do good in the morning with some light filtering in through the trees & brush (but check out the area and see if the light hits it in the morning, or early evening). Of course it depends on the effect that you want. But, even if you want a spooky pic, it would be good to get just a plain shot for preservation reasons. If you tell me what area your talking about, there are some genealogy websites where you can donate/post gravestone pics, which is nice if someones researching their line & don't live anywhere nearby.
Lori


Actually we are living in VA right now lol. You'd be hardpressed to find any gravestones around Seattle that are over 100 years old. I'm smack dab in the middle of civil war and revolutionary war history so there's old headstones everywhere. I'm thinking the graveyard near us is a family plot of somesort because there are some newer headstones.

Thanks for all the great tips and advice!
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