wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

Any advise on good spots to set up to shoot in North Fork Park or the area, understand it is a dark sky area and wanted to try my hand at shooting the milkyway.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I'm sorry to say, Bill, but I do not know the area well enough to Advise.
But it has got to be a damn site better than many others.

Work on your ISO settings, and timed exposure in preparation for your night sessions.
I would strongly suggest an Intervalometer, and familiarization before hand.
You don't want to be starting the learning curve at your site with limited time.

Night shooting is nothing at all like daylight shooting. Best wishes for a great trip, and a great many sessions.
Have fun!

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I envy your trip and dark sky possibilities!!!

I use Google Maps for all trips.....once you think you have found a place that looks good, check the spot using Dark Sky Finder

http://www.jshine.net/astronomy/dark_sky/

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Looking at the Google Map that should be a great place.
I see several prime open spots you should be able to set up
in the park itself. If we could know what equipment you
have it would help us to guide you thru the settings. As
Sonny said practice makes perfect before you make the trip.
Craig

aircraft man

I don't know when you will be here but North Fork IS a great spot. Go into the large group area it has the most open area letting you choose the amount of foreground you want. This area is the farthest one in the park. Any car can get there graded road. Good luck

SDB777 Loc: Edwards, AR USA

This is your best friend: http://photoephemeris.com/tpe-for-desktop

Input the location to go, and it'll give you all the sun/moon angles and such.




Scott (I love this program) B

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

Thanks for the advice, aircraft man, that is exactly what I needed to know and will use next trip, Scott great web site. We were there for only 3 nights, since the full moon was only a few days before we arrived, and seeing a weather report of clear weather both nights, I decided to wait till Sunday night, wouldn't you know a thin layer of clouds moved in so I only got a couple of shots that I posted on the astro photo page. Since my son and granddaughter live there, I know I will be back to try some more. I've only tried astro shots 3 or 4 times so far and between location (city glow), weather and other things beyond my control (a sailboat with a bright mast head light moving into my shot after I was all set up and getting ready to shoot), astro photos are not easy and that does not even get into technique learning curve.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Good things do not necessarily come to those who wait in Astronomy....

Meanwhile, practice makes perfect.