My Latest Night Attempt

[RxForB3]

I took another trip out late at night. This time to Tipsoo Lake. Unfortunately, I think there is apparently quite a bit of light pollution behind Rainier, though I can't really figure out what from. On the plus side, I didn't see any elk or deer alongside the road, so it was a nice drive. I did hear a bear or elk huff at me from not far away. Needless to say, I decide it was time to pack in at that point

I think my struggle now is in getting the sky to look dark. Everything turns out more of a light brown. When I adjust the white balance, I can get it a bit bluer, but not the black that I want the sky to be. Suggestions? Thoughts? Comments?

1.


Milky Way Lake by RxForB3, on Flickr

2.


Tipsoo Stars by RxForB3, on Flickr

3.


Rainier Stars by RxForB3, on Flickr

I think I learned that I need to refocus EVERY time I move to a different spot. I think that last shot (the first of the night) is the most in focus for the stars (hence why they're so small).

 

[Parker219]

Overall very nice! I like the fact that the sky isnt black because then it would blend it with the trees. I like the contrast. I am sure others might point out some technical problems, however I think the subject and composition are good enough for me as it is. Wow, that is a lot of stars, thats for sure.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[jowensphoto]

I love two and three, but might consider cropping the second to remove some of the star reflections while still including asmuch of the tree reflections as possible.

 

[RxForB3]

Here is one more I thought I would include for comparison to photo 1. Which do you prefer?


Milky Way and Trees by RxForB3, on Flickr

 

[jowensphoto]

I do like that edit, but the green seems a bit "too green" if ya know what I mean. Perhaps try to dial it back in post. There's also a little blue streak in the tree line, close the right hand side that could do with cloning out.

 

[Parker219]

^ Like the edit better. Like the green for some reason in that one, but maybe a tone it down a tad.

 

[cardonalj]

how long are the exposures (too lazy to go to flickr to check exif data lol)

 

[RxForB3]

Thanks for tge comments so far. Most were at 25 second exposures. Though I think one was 20 sec (third one I think).

I should be able to tone down the green pretty easily.

Jowensphoto, do you prefer the second shot or would you still crop?

 

[RxForB3]

Actually, it was the second photo that was 20 seconds...

 

[jowensphoto]

I'd crop. Just enough to keep the tree reflections and get rid of most of the star reflections. They pull my eye away from an otherwise really nice scene.

 

[SixShotEspressO]

First I'm a total amateur so I wont make any technical comments, having said that, very cool work. I just moved to WA from Spain my D300 is in need of service (prob shutter) but I can't wait to get out and shoot. I'll have to pick your brain later about where to go and whats cool. I really wanna try to catch the Salmon run. Again bro, nice work.