My first attempt of a star trail which I did a week ago was a failure.
And I didn't get chance to try again (exams and clouds) till just then with beautiful clear skies. This time around, I think it is much better but I also caught two planes and a meteor (don't think it is a satellite as Calsky has nothing on it).
First Attempt
ISO800, F/5.7, 120x30sec
Second Attempt
ISO400, F/4, 231x30sec
Both taken with EOS-450D
Last edited by austinstkong; 04-08-2010 at 11:49 PM.
Reason: typographic error
The trails are ok but the composition doesn't work for me, trees that move with the wind barely touching the borders of the photo are more a distraction than a foreground element.
Now that you are comfortable with the technique you can find compositions that will work with the trails.
in the second image with the line going almost vertical i would say that is a iridium flare, as the line is broken would be due to the tumbling nature of the satellite. keep it up, oh and make sure that your camera tripod is stable you have movement with first image maybe from wind or walking around the tripod during exposures.
The trails are ok but the composition doesn't work for me, trees that move with the wind barely touching the borders of the photo are more a distraction than a foreground element.
Now that you are comfortable with the technique you can find compositions that will work with the trails.
I see, noted with thanks. I have three conviently loacted trees in my yard that I have difficulty avoiding. Might trya a different angle adn zoom in abit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmitchell82
Not a bad job at all.
in the second image with the line going almost vertical i would say that is a iridium flare, as the line is broken would be due to the tumbling nature of the satellite. keep it up, oh and make sure that your camera tripod is stable you have movement with first image maybe from wind or walking around the tripod during exposures.
Tumbling Iridium? Interesting. I used a bigger and more stable tripod second time around.
and a meteor 
(don't think it is a satellite as Calsky has nothing on it).
Good luck with your star trail. See how many extra objects you will be able to catch 
