Jupiter + Venus Conjunction - 3rd February from The Entrance Ocean Baths

[iceman]

Hi all

After rain and cloud most of yesterday and most of the night (and most of today!), I optimistically set the alarm for 4am to try and observe/photograph the conjunction again.

I stepped outside and saw the southern cross clear and free of cloud, despite the rest of the sky cloudy. I took my chances and drove out to The Entrance Ocean Baths, but was met with a full sky of cloud.

I waited until about 5am and started driving home, but when I turned the car around I saw a clear patch to the North-West, and it was moving East. So I headed back.. and waited.

The clear patch eventually reached the East.. barely. Very patchy, but it helped make a beautiful scene as the sun (below the horizon) was turning the clouds a deep red. Jupiter and Venus were only clear for short stretches at a time, and most of the time a band of cloud ran straight through the planets but was clear every where else :doh:

Anyway I'm very happy to have captured these again. Taken with the 350D on tripod, with Sigma 17-70mm lens. ISO200, 20s exposure @ f/4 for the first one, reducing the exposure as the sky brightened.

The last 2 (and really the third as well) don't show the conjunction - they were leftover shots where cloud covered the planets :(

Thanks for looking. Here's hoping for tomorrow and Tuesday!

[bird]

very nice images!

[rumples riot]

My personal favourite is the first one, nice tonal range the composition of the image is quite nice Mike. Did you do a HDR treatment to these? I have seen a lot of HDR stuff on deviant art in the last couple of years and this is most commonly used in these circumstances. For myself I am a cokin guy, but often think about doing HDR for sunrises and sets.

[sheeny]

Yes very nice, Mike. I'm with Paul, I like the darker tones o the 1st one too, but they are all very good!

Al.

[h0ughy]

very nice results given the difficuty to grab the shots. i too like the first one.

[edwardsdj]

Awesome photography Mike :)

I love the first one.

[Dennis]

Not only does your talent shine through with these beautiful photos Mike, but your dedication to acquiring them is remarkable. A most stunning portfolio with eye catching composition.

Cheers

Dennis

[acropolite]

I like the way you've captured the light of sunrise on the water, beautiful images, the second is my pick. :thumbsup:

[Phil]

very nice Mike well done.
Phil

[iceman]

Thanks guys, appreciate your comments.

Paul, I didn't do any HDR on these - I didn't have any time to take multiple exposures because Venus + Jupiter only appeared very briefly in-between gaps in the clouds.

I prefer the darker tones in the first one as well - though I could've achieved a similar look in the second by reducing the exposure in post-processing (I use Raw Shooter Premium to manipulate my raws).

I did do selective curves on the sky area to increase the contrast and make it more dramatic (on all shots).

Thanks again. Disappointed to have missed the last 2 days :(