Star Trails

I'd like to make a few observations/assumptions about this for everyone to keep in mind.

Because you are essentially taking one shot a night, and it's likely everyone wont make it to every outing, we will be doing this several times.

These outings will also likely be "shorter notice" outings because so much will depend on the weather. We need clear sky's for this.

Based on the initial conversation, it doesn't sound like we are going to have a "star trails" expert, so we likely won't get a "great shot" the first time out, although we may, because the first 1 maybe 2 outings will be practicing, lets just choose a location near most of the people going and not worry too much on the intriguing foreground subject. Lets make that second, third or fourth outing when we can be sure we can capture what we are looking for. Make sense?

With the sun setting as early as it does in the winter season, we should have a good opportunity for 4, 5, or 6 hour shots and still be home/done by midnight, so it will be the cold season, dress warm!




INFO: I found this to be a good read on star trails for those interested. It's long but it's covers some of his own mishaps and things to learn from. www.jamesvernacotola.com/Resources/How-To-Photograph-Star-Trails/12233655_V7cX4D

This sounds like a fun project Daniel. This month and the next two will be busy for me. I have family coming in from Australia for Christmas and New Years and lots of family and friends stopping in to visit them. Once things settle back, I expect in February, maybe I could host a night sky shoot here at my home. I have a fairly clear view to the North and South Sky. The advantage would be to set cameras up and let them do their thing and the photogs could go inside where it is warm and talk shop. It beats standing out in the cold for hours.

Well, we could do a campfire too, but it might be easier to just fire up the fireplace in the house. The fireplace light won't interfere with the photos like a campfire might.

I've bounced around the idea of doing a group camping trip for star trails a couple years back and there was a show of interest. A good star trails photo is all about a clear night, no moon, and no ambient light. I'm wondering if snow would effect the shot, being that snow is so reflective. It might be better to do this in the spring time, when temps will be... less hazardous?

Not a bad idea Ladydi!

As for the snow, if there is little or no moon, and we are in a "dark zone" then I don't think we will have to worry too much about the snow. I've seen a ton of star trail shots taken from Antarctica, Iceland and other frosty areas. I can see how that would be an issue if it was a full moon. But it's also a good point. We need likely less than 25% moon and a clear night to get good enough star trails.. and if the moon is out, we will want it entirely out of the shot.

Just bought an intervalometer. Gonna take a couple test shots in my back yard and see what I come up with. Anyone dare to come up with a date to take our first round of group shots?

Software? Ektar 100 and a locking shutter release. What more do you need? ;D