Firstly, if you are susceptible to heart attacks or your head explodes when exposed to too much awesomeness, best you stop reading now. This news is just that awesome. Awesome.
This weekend I'm going to a dark site at Leyburn to do nothing but take astro photos. Awesome.
The weather reports are saying that it will be clear skies, no clouds. Not scattered clouds, not passing clouds, but NO clouds. Awesome.
It will be a near new moon. Awesome.
I'll be there with some fellow astrophotogs like Andrew (astro_south from here) who I'll be able to glean some more knowledge from. Awesome.
Since getting my original kit about 3 months ago, I've only really been able to take 2, fairly crappy (let's be honest), images. Reason was most of the few clear nights I've had were taken up with getting used to the gear, practising setting up, drift aligning etc. I now feel comfortable doing all that so can just focus on imaging. Awesome.
Speaking of focus. I made a Bahnitov mask last night so my focusing should be awesome. Awesome.
We'll be getting there in the afternoon so I can set up in daylight. Not time wasted trying to set up in the dark. Awesome.
With my gear set up in daylight, I'll finally be able to take some photos of my rig. Awesome.
My gear list has grown a little and now have much better guiding setup to make things quicker and easier. Awesome.
Also with my grown gear list is a Logitech Cordless Rumblepad so I can wirelessly remote control my mount using EQMOD. Awesome.
I've also narrowed down a software list that I know how to use and will make things quicker and easier. Awesome.
Using some of the above software, AstroPlanner, I have planned the whole night in terms of what I'm going to shoot and when. Awesome.
My batteries are all charged and ready to go. Awesome.
I'm camping overnight in a tent that will be right next to my scope. I love camping. Awesome.
My new wife will be in that tent, so she can't accuse me of staying overnight somewhere she isn't with some whore that doesn't exist. Awesome.
My new wife will be in that tent, so while the camera is doing it's thing and if I want some warming up I can sneak inside for some lovin. Awesome.
I have nothing to do on Sunday but sleep, so I can stay up all night. Awesome.
That's like 17 on the AWESOME scale. How awesome is that?
I'm pretty sure that a night that rates 17 on the AWESOME scale can only lead to totally mind-blowingly awesome photos. Be careful when you do come to view them.
LOL @ crack - I'm high on life, mate. Although I might have some beers while I'm there. Awesome.
I forgot to add another couple of awesomeness points.
While shooting some deep sky targets with my 30D on mount, I'll also set up my wife's 350D on a tripod and get some star trails for the first time. Awesome.
@Eric - Just got the car serviced and petrol paid for by company. No chance it'll break down. Awesome.
@Houghy - If I use different words to describe my thoughts on the weekend, it's too hard to accumulate awesomeness points.
Ok, so maybe I'm getting a little carried away. It's just that I've been trawling this and other forums, accumulating gear and knowledge, just waiting for an opportunity to just focus on actually DOING the imaging. This is it.
What do you mean "if"!? All the foundations are laid. Nothing can go wrong. I'm gonna take these shots, and people's optical nerves are actually going to melt just by viewing my images. I'm actually going to be afraid to post them in case I get sued for compensation or something.
What do you mean "if"!? All the foundations are laid. Nothing can go wrong. I'm gonna take these shots, and people's optical nerves are actually going to melt just by viewing my images. I'm actually going to be afraid to post them in case I get sued for compensation or something.
"if" my friend, is the middle word in life
i know your game ... just take a boatload of crisps and chocolate with you
I know the feeling mate. Last time I was out there was October last year...I am desperate for some dark skies.
If you get there earlier enough and set up we might get some time for some bug macro shots as well
p.s. I wouldn't rely on me for astrophotography advice (remember I am a visual observation guy ) but I can introduce you to a few guys (just about every one else in the field) who knows way more than me.
Bazza !!!
good one Baz.
