Photographing Bioluminescence

[Keith B]

I just got a call from an ad agency asking me if I could shoot kayakers going down a canal and capture thebioluminescent trail around/behind them.


Anyone done this before? Any suggestions (Daniel)?


Shooting 5Dmk2, have all the 2.8 zooms, 24 1.4L and 50 1.4.

[Sean Setters]

Wow, that does sound challenging. I'm thinking a split ND filter might help, as you're going to have to use a relatively long shutter speed to really capture the bioluminescent trail. Also possibly a gridded(or maybe barn-doored or simply flagged) off-camera flash set to rear-curtain sync to capture the kayakers but control the light-spillage elsewhere. Else, consider a bracketed shot and combining in post (if you're shooting from behind the kayakers, especially).


I look forward to seeing the other suggestions...

[alexniedra]

That does sound challenging. But challenges are fun[]


That could be it...


Sean, you inspired me with the bracketed-exposure idea. Why don't you run two exposures - One using a few lights (flash, whatever) to get the kayakers exposed properly, and one with a longer exposure (10, 20, 30 sec(?)) to get the bioluminescence. Then merge the exposures in Photoshop or Photomatix as an HDR.


This is a really rough idea, but maybe it could help you out.


- Alex

[Keith B]

Thanks Sean.


So far I'm planning on gridding an off-camera 580II or 2 and adding a gel to match glow. Rear shutter definitely.


It will be a show up and figure it out quick shoot. I'm hoping to hear from the AD shortly so I can determine the shot (wide/tight) he/she is envisioning.I'm not sure if they want to capture the trail or just the glow around them.I have no idea what the terrain is throwing at me.