Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Took this at about 9:30PM in dark overcast skies with my D7000 and Sigma 15-30mm lens at 15mm, 10 second time exposure, f3.6, tripod. Although I could see nothing with my eyes, the camera at ISO 6400 caught a few stars through the clouds.

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Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Nicely composed, a pleasant image, just not much impact here for me, the image seems a bit soft which get's me wondering if it was very windy....

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm curious about your goal for the image, Bob. Were you testing long exposure or are you are familiar with already? If not a test, what was your attraction to the scene?

It's interesting to think about this being in full dark as it appears to be just after sunset. Do you have any darker exposures (just curious to compare)?

Did you focus on large tree or do an infinity set? (I haven't done night photography for decades!)

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Hi Linda. I was actually trying to get the Milky Way and set the camera for that based on some online instructions. I had previously done night photography with a 50mm lens and a time exposure, and though I could only see a half dozen stars with the eye, a 15 second exposure showed hundreds or maybe thousands of stars. The idea that the sensor could make things visible the eye can't see, sort of like x-rays, was interesting. I put the trees in the pic because that's where an online virtual sky program (the free program Stellarium) said the Milky Way would be. In the viewfinder the whole scene was totally black, though I could see the tree shapes with my eye. The lens was manually focused to infinity. The trees and sky only showed up in the pics because of the high iso and long exposure. Also they were helped with raising the gamma and exposure in PS. I think that glow that looks like a setting sun could be lights from I-195 which is about a mile away in that direction. I was happy with the outcome, even though no Milky Way appeared. Maybe on a crystal clear night (rare in NJ) I might be successful but there might just be too much light pollution to capture the Milky Way from my yard. The attached pic was taken the following night (last night) with clearer skies. ISO 400, f4.5, 15 sec., 31mm.

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ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

It is very hard to get good shots of the stars if there are even thin clouds in the sky. Add to that the fact that New Jersey has lots of light pollution unless you are out in the Pine Barrens, and you have an astrophotographer's nightmare. I think your second shot was much more successful. There is still pollution down close to the horizon; but the stars are very prominent in this photo. I've tried stacking exposures to get star trails here in New Jersey and have always had trouble with light pollution. The sky is also clearest during the coldest months which also makes for a problem unless you are immune to the cold which I am not. I'll probably keep at it, though, and you should too. I'm always interested in results people have in shooting the sky or the moon. These are subjects that present a challenge to me and seeing how others handle the environment and the challenges is encouraging.
Erich

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Im assuming this was an experiment on your part? Its not the most exciting night time sky shot I have seen and as Frank has mentioned it is a bit soft. Its really one of those that if you like it and are happy then its a success. Beyond your own feelings about it I feel many would be looking for something more in the frame.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you for the info! Yes, this second one is much more appealing

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Suburban NJ is an astrophotographer's nightmare. I haven't had my telecsope rig up since 2010. I was active with it for about two years, but a couple of dozen really clear nights a year just didn't seem worth the effort.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Like I said, the image through the viewfinder or live view was pitch black. I was pleased with the image at 6400 iso. There's also a lot of post processing. The softness does appeal to me. I tried a more saturated and contrasty approach, but preferred this treatment.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

You are welcome. Second shot was just an example of how many stars the sensor can register with a clearer sky. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think the framing and colors in the first shot are actually much better.