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

[iceman (Mike)]

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

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 (Anthony Wesley)]

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 (Al)]

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 (David)]

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

[edwardsdj (Doug)]

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 (Phil)]

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

[Phil]

very nice Mike well done.
Phil

[iceman (Mike)]

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