How do I get neon lights like this? (Photoshop and Photography question)?

Question

1. http://a792.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/95/l_51eef0c740dce74bfd602630d6e3d23f.jpg

2. http://a117.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/l_d5b754da5daac8dbdae2e1e5cecac29c.jpg

Also, this would be really cool

3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/livelavalive/2657021307/

4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/livelavalive/2657021763/

Also, if you could tell me how to adjust the shutter speed (and what to adjust it to) on my slr camera for it to blur lights like this at night, it would be great.

I have a Nikon D70 if it helps :]

Thanks a load!

Answer 1

I would set up the camera on a tripod and use a cable release to avoid camera shake.  Then use the Bulb setting on your camera. You will need to experiment a little, but to really get those long streaks, the longer the shutter is open, the better!  Try bracketing your photos to get the best idea.

Answer 2

The first two are done with the camera on a tripod. There is no set formula for taking this sort of time exposure, you just need to experiment. You can use the B setting and time it by the speed of the passing traffic. You'll have to stop down to avoid overexposure. Your camera's meter should be able to guide you there. You could try shutter-speed priority with exposures in the 5 to 30 second range, depending on conditions. The streaking of the street lights in photo 2 looks like it was done by zooming the lens midway through the exposure.

The two flickr photos include exposure information - just click on "more properties" to see. Those are hand-held to get those random light squiggles, and the flash is used to get a clear exposure of the subject.