Capturing Circular Star Trails part 2

Last time we took a look at setting up and shooting images for the circular star trail. Following those steps you should have captured a rather large number of images. As I said last time the above image is comprised of 85 individual pinpoint star images. The actual number you will have captured is a direct result of how long you allow the camera to run. These images were captured over a 45 minute period but you could go longer or shorter which will affect the length of the trails in the final image.

Capturing Circular Star Trails part 1

The above image, “Star Trails Above Echo Lake,” was captured this past September in Acadia National Park. It is comprised of 85 individual pinpoint star images, shot over about a 45 minute period, that have been stacked and blended in Photoshop. I have received many questions on how it was done so I thought I would write about it here. I am going to split this into two segments, the first on how to capture the images and the second on processing and stacking the images.

Acadia National Park

Some four weeks ago I, along with my long time friend Andy, took a trip to a part of this country I have never visited before. We traveled to Maine and Acadia National Park. Being a native of coastal South Carolina I must say I was utterly amazed! The rocky shoreline, the clarity of the water both in the ocean and the numerous lakes we visited, the brilliance of the stars in the night sky were all surprises that I was not prepared for. I can’t wait to get back!

Shooting the Milky Way

Along coastal South Carolina late summer is the best and worst time to view and photograph the Milky Way. Best because it’s easy to spot as it rises nearly vertically in the southern sky. Worst because we have to contend with atmospheric haze, clouds, thunderstorms and BUGS!

Effort Sweetens the Reward

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”–FDR

I’m not sure Franklin Roosevelt had long exposure photography in mind when he wrote those words but he could have!

Carolina Balloonfest

Just over two weeks ago Sue and I visited the Carolina Balloonfest held each October in Statesville, NC. We have been before but our last visit was some three years ago. This year was particularly notable because of the excellent weather we had throughout the three days of the Festival.

It’s a Profusion of Confusion!

As you have probably heard there has been a major shakeup in the Lightroom world this week and, due to the way they’ve named the products, there is lots of confusion. 

Finding and Photographing the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a modern engineering marvel. The first component was launched in 1998 and it has been continuously inhabited for over 16 years. Traveling in orbit over 250 miles in altitude it circles the Earth in just over 90 minutes and is the size of a football field. It is currently the third brightest object in the night sky behind the moon and Venus. Photographing the station isn’t hard but it requires a little forethought and planning.

Birds of the Alligator Farm

I captured these three curious youngsters last year during my Birds of the Alligator Farm workshop in St. Augustine Fl. This is pretty typical of the kind of photo opportunities at the AF.

Wearing Blinders

On occasion horses are required to wear blinders. Many racehorse trainers believe these keep horses focused on what is in front, encouraging them to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Additionally, blinders are commonly seen on driving horses, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets.