Light artifacts on long exposure.

Hello there.

 

So, i was taking a long exposure during the twilight hour (the sun was set like 40 minutes before) and on the two 200seconds exposures I took, I got some light artifacts on the photos next to some light sources. I also took a couple of 60'ish seconds exposure and the images were clean. You can see the artifacts above the bridge lights. It's like a trail.

 

So, does anyone know why this happens and how to avoid it?

 

I was using a Canon 750D with a 10-18 lens. No filters.

 

Thank you for your help.

 

 

 

They're internal reflections in the lens, or reflections between sensor and lens.

 

No getting away from them, since the bridge lights are going to be hundreds of times brighter than the sky beyond.

 

I'm not sure the looooong exposure adds anything to this particular scene. The cloud streaks and fuzzy water aren't visually pleasing to me, so shooting earlier, with a bit more light in the sky might have been a better option.

 

In this particular example the ghost images could easily be cloned out. I suspect that's going to be your easiest route to getting rid of such artefacts in future.

They're internal reflections in the lens, or reflections between sensor and lens.

 

No getting away from them, since the bridge lights are going to be hundreds of times brighter than the sky beyond.

 

I'm not sure the looooong exposure adds anything to this particular scene. The cloud streaks and fuzzy water aren't visually pleasing to me, so shooting earlier, with a bit more light in the sky might have been a better option.

 

In this particular example the ghost images could easily be cloned out. I suspect that's going to be your easiest route to getting rid of such artefacts in future.

 

 

Thank you for your answer. So there is no way to remove them on camera.

As for the image, was not planned so I couldn't be there earlier. :) Was just passing by and enjoyed the view. As for the loooong exposure, it was just me trying. I'm very new to the photography world. This is my first camera and it's like 8-9 months old and I'm still trying everything... :D No matter if it works or not. :D lol

Thank you for your opinion.

Artifacts or not, I like the photo

Obviously, you've got the knack! Nice image, and good job working out how to capture it.

Given the artifacts are from light reflecting somewhere within the lens/camera system, all I can suggest is remove any filters. At least that is one less possible source of reflection.

Given the artifacts are from light reflecting somewhere within the lens/camera system, all I can suggest is remove any filters. At least that is one less possible source of reflection.

 

I would agree, but unfortunately:

 

No filters.

Artifacts or not, I like the photo

 

Obviously, you've got the knack! Nice image, and good job working out how to capture it.

 

Thank you! :)

 

Given the artifacts are from light reflecting somewhere within the lens/camera system, all I can suggest is remove any filters. At least that is one less possible source of reflection.

 

As Andrew Garrard said, no filters were used. But... Since I was using the camera with filters before taking this photo, the filter holder was on the lens. Maybe it was that? Its a plastic holder (from Cokin) so it shouldn't reflect light, but I don't know?

"Maybe it was that? Its a plastic holder (from Cokin) so it shouldn't reflect light, but I don't know?"

 

- No. No chance!

 

It's internal reflections in the lens, or between sensor and lens. A filter, especially an uncoated Cokin filter, would probably cause reflections 10 times worse. It's quite a common phenomenon to have 'ghost' lights showing up in night-time shots when a filter is used.