While we're on the subject of astrophotography...

[TheBiles]

Campsite #44 I by Quentin Biles, on Flickr

Took this Monday night in northern Georgia. It was my first time shooting the stars, and I had no idea what to expect. I only wish I had a faster lens since f/4 left some to be desired at 30sec and ISO 3200. Definitely looking forward to some quality night landscapes when I get my hands on a fast wide-angle prime. Only PP was in Adobe Camera RAW, and it was some sharpening for the leaves (with noise reduction), contrast increase, and a slight black increase. Thoughts? PP tips?

 

[analog.universe]

I love the autumn colors

I think I would've taken 2 separate exposures however, one for the trees and one for sky. That way you could pull the stars up in post and then just layer the properly exposed trees over them. It's also nice to be able to give the stars a few rounds of subtle sharpening at various radii, that the trees wouldn't really benefit from.

 

[TheBiles]

I love the autumn colors

I think I would've taken 2 separate exposures however, one for the trees and one for sky. That way you could pull the stars up in post and then just layer the properly exposed trees over them. It's also nice to be able to give the stars a few rounds of subtle sharpening at various radii, that the trees wouldn't really benefit from.

I actually basically set the exposure for the trees by throwing more wood on the fire to make a brighter flame. Here's a different angle with the fire dying down:


Campsite #44 IV by Quentin Biles, on Flickr

 

[Patrice]

I like your second image more than the first. It has more nebulosity and more detail. You could have fired a flash into the trees at anytime during the exposure to give them a shot of light.