Create second-curtain flash effect without flash?

[ssp3nc3r]

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For SL2s users, I'm interested in the effect of having motion blur that ends with a sharp second image, similar to what can be achieved with a second curtain flash. I've looked at exposure bracketing where I set the ISO, and have shutter speed change (and blend the two photos) but the bracketing only goes from fast shutter to slow, the opposite of what might work. Is there a good way to achieve this without flash? I'm using manual focus m lenses. Perhaps I can try spinning aperture between shots but seems that would be hard to keep steady if there's a more automated way.

Edited December 2, 2023 by ssp3nc3r

[Pelu2010]

Second curtain does only work with speedlight or strobe. 
 

of you want to add motion blur to the same scene you need to take to images. 
 

one with and one without slow shuttespeed. 
 

then you open the image in photoshop and you open both images. The blur above the sharp layer. 
 

then you brush away the blur with a layer mask. 
 

 

[ssp3nc3r]

That's the idea I had, but to get the two photos, I need them to be back to back, ideally where the blurred one ends, the sharp one is taken. I was looking for a way to do that without flash on the sl2s.

[JohnathanLovm]

10 hours ago, ssp3nc3r said:

That's the idea I had, but to get the two photos, I need them to be back to back, ideally where the blurred one ends, the sharp one is taken. I was looking for a way to do that without flash on the sl2s.

I’m not sure what subject (stationary or moving) you’re taking. The only way I can think is long exposure with final moment the subject must stay still for sharp image, which almost physically impossible. 

[Stuart Richardson]

What makes using flash a problem? It seems like the most sensible way to go...

 

[Pelu2010]

18 hours ago, ssp3nc3r said:

That's the idea I had, but to get the two photos, I need them to be back to back, ideally where the blurred one ends, the sharp one is taken. I was looking for a way to do that without flash on the sl2s.

Hi, 

 

Well you need a Tripod or a slider to do the motion and stationary thing together and having the same positions. 

You can make a move in 

Move out 

pan 

And with the Tirpod you can tilt up and down. 

Then you need some kind of mark. 

You mark a feature on the screen (can put a screen protection on the screen an use a fine line marker) 

Then you can always find the feature again and start from there again and again. 

Make one image with a fast shutter and then work from there to the slower shutter images. 

If you flip through the images you will see if it works or not, like making a stop motion. 

 

Where are you located? Maybe there is an offer for a workshop with slow shutter photography so you 

can talk to other people while you are shooting. Always a good idea to improve your images and getting to learn something 

new. 

 

cheers Peter 

 

 

[Pelu2010]

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7 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

What makes using flash a problem? It seems like the most sensible way to go...

 

true, but sometimes the way the flash works the subject gives another light position that feels wrong. 

Maybe this is what he likes to achieve. Although you could change position and line them up with the overall light direction ... 

 

 

[Pelu2010]

I  made a compositing to illustrate this.

Funny I took those picture this weekend .... 🙂 

cheers 

Peter 

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, Pelu2010 said:

Hi, 

 

Well you need a Tripod or a slider to do the motion and stationary thing together and having the same positions. 

You can make a move in 

Move out 

pan 

And with the Tirpod you can tilt up and down. 

Then you need some kind of mark. 

You mark a feature on the screen (can put a screen protection on the screen an use a fine line marker) 

Then you can always find the feature again and start from there again and again. 

Make one image with a fast shutter and then work from there to the slower shutter images. 

If you flip through the images you will see if it works or not, like making a stop motion. 

 

Where are you located? Maybe there is an offer for a workshop with slow shutter photography so you 

can talk to other people while you are shooting. Always a good idea to improve your images and getting to learn something 

new. 

 

cheers Peter 

 

 

You can do it without a tripod using auto-align in Photoshop.

[Pelu2010]

11 minutes ago, jaapv said:

You can do it without a tripod using auto-align in Photoshop.

Yes you can, but it’s easier with a tripod 

you can achieve this also only in photoshop! But you need to spend more time on the computer . There are many paths to Rome … thanxs …. For pointing out 

Edited December 5, 2023 by Pelu2010

[Pelu2010]

23 minutes ago, Pelu2010 said:

I  made a compositing to illustrate this.

Funny I took those picture this weekend .... 🙂 

cheers 

Peter 

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Works from bottom to top 

[ssp3nc3r]

Thanks for the ideas and example. Yes, I have a tripod. I'll go practice a few things in the upcoming weekend in Central Park and report back.

[Pelu2010]

49 minutes ago, ssp3nc3r said:

Thanks for the ideas and example. Yes, I have a tripod. I'll go practice a few things in the upcoming weekend in Central Park and report back.

That’s the beauty of digital! You can make as many error as you like and 5 years later : Ah I like more the images I disliked 5 years ago …. 
trial and error , patients and a notebook …. 
ah and then comes Christmas …. Some have time to experiment… 

it’s my favorite times of the year. I can spend time on wasting time …. 
☺️😂 

cheers 

[Olaf_ZG]

On 12/5/2023 at 2:22 PM, Pelu2010 said:

 

it’s my favorite times of the year. I can spend time on wasting time …. 
☺️😂 

cheers 

I love this!