How to capture light ray into picture

[nitehawk]

Hi sifus,
I have seen many photographs here or in other forums whereby sunlight shine through trees or woods or clouds are being captured. I have tried many times but failed each time.

Do you need special filters or skills to capture those moments?

Thank you!

[trickflip]

actually, think all you need is smoke in the foreground, that will make the light rays visible as the light reflects on the smoke particles.

Not necessarily smoke but mist/haze and such things lah... otherwise there's always photoshop.

[sampoerna]

Something like this? :P

http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/7894/dsc7133bg9.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2793/dsc7138yu2.jpg

[nitehawk]

Something like this? :P

http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/7894/dsc7133bg9.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2793/dsc7138yu2.jpg

Yes, can it be achieve in-camera rather than through Photoshop?

[ckchowov]

Bright lighting on the smoke, dark background. f/5, 1/200s, ISO100, 350mm focal length, matrix metering.
3997

Bright lighting on the fog, dark foreground. f/8, 1/320s, ISO100, 120mm focal length, matrix metering.
3998

[sampoerna]

Yes, can it be achieve in-camera rather than through Photoshop?

Yes, original effect from the camera. This is done in the early morning where there is mist in the jungle. Can't remember the setting, if not mistaken at f8 1/125s

[andythology]

If you can see from your eyes, your camera can capture. *in this case*

[naliazor]

ooo...thanks for da tips...

[nitehawk]

Yes, original effect from the camera. This is done in the early morning where there is mist in the jungle. Can't remember the setting, if not mistaken at f8 1/125s

Do you need any filters to enhance the picture?