I Popped My Star Trails Cherry

It finally happened. The seemingly unending crappy weather lost it’s luster and gave in to sunny skies. And sunny days usually mean starry nights. I have been wanting to do this for a while. My previous attempt was not very successful as the moon was the king of the skies then, you can view that post here.

This post is not exactly a success as I know there are things that I could have done better. I know I have not posted in a couple of days and that you don’t deserve a picture of 2 popsicle looking things. Those are flags by the way. I took a 15 minute exposure to show the stars drawing lines, there was enough wind to make the flags whip, hence their blur appearances. I could have takes 5 minute exposures and put the together in post processing but I found out my camera processes long exposures almost equal to their lengths. Had I done that I would’ve lost 5 minutes of the trail per shot which means the picture would have ended up with broken star trails. I should have also tried taking 30 minute exposures to show longer trails.

There are a few things I learned from this shoot:

• Apply mosquito repellent lotion to exposed extremities. I was mosquito dinner tonight.
• Scout for a foreground during daytime. Planned shoot is better than looking for the right spot to shoot in semi darkness.
• Bring a  more powerful flash light.
• Bring something to nibble on.
• Bring something to tinker with (PSP, Ipod etc.) You’ll need to be entertained while waiting for  your exposure to finish.
• Bring lots of patience.
• Have lots of fun.

I’m hoping my next night outing will yield better results. In the mean time, enjoy  viewing these popsicles.

1 Comment

• 
  Kevrel October 16, 2011 at 11:47 am

  Wonderful explanation of facts aavliable here.

  Reply