The Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs Elysee in Paris, France is one of the country’s most recognized landmarks (aside from the Eiffel Tower). It’s located in the center of a traffic circle with cars whizzing around. It makes taking a clear picture of the monument without a truck in the way very difficult.
So instead of fighting the traffic, use it to your advantage and take a picture of the Arc de Triomphe with Light Trails (the blurry streaks of lights at the bottom of the photo). Here are some photography tips for your next trip to Paris.
How I Took it (With my Canon Rebel xTi)
- Sadly, you’ll need a tripod for this one (but you’ll be glad you lugged it around the city). If you don’t have a tripod, place your camera on a sturdy, flat surface. Any camera movement will blur the main focal point – the arc.
- Use a shutter release cable. For this trick to work, you’ll need to keep your camera shutter open longer than usual. If you don’t have cable, adjust your camera settings to a slow shutter speed.
- Compose your shot. For this photo, I stood on the corner of the main road and the traffic circle.
- Wait for the traffic light to turn green and open the shutter as the cars pass by.
- Experiment with several speeds to get the look you’re trying to achieve.
- Smile proudly at this very cool shot of this Parisian Landmark. You’re friends probably don’t have this in their photo album!
What do you think?
Share your best travel photos and tips!
On my Facebook Fan Page I’ve created a photo album with these photos and links to their tips. If you have any great travel photos, upload them to the “Your Best Travel Photos Album” and share how you took them in the notes field!
I’ll see you out there..!
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Ah! Nice pic and tips Ben! I never carry a tripod, but I always manage to find a sturdy surface for these slow shutter speed shots. And yes, taking more than one photo with speed and aperture variations is key to get that great shot.
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Norbert,
I haven’t mastered the art of photography yet. I really need to sign up for a class. Until then, it’s trial and error, shot after shot. I’ve usually found that when I don’t have a tripod, I need one, and when I do have one, I never need it. The old mantra is true, the best tripod is the one you have with you. Kudos for always finding a sturdy surface!
When we get our new camera (thanks for the recommendations, BTW) we will certainly be using this tutorial. Perhaps not on the Arc, since I don’t think we will be back in Paris anytime soon. One never knows though!
No Vacation Required recently posted something special..Q&A With K&C – Live NOW!
No Vacation Required – Light trails add a really cool effect with little effort – except for schlepping a tripod along with you on your trip! Let me know what photos you take with it.