A few Novice Nightscapes from IISAC

[sheeny (Al)]

Like a lot of other people, Mike inspired me with his Nightscapes talk, so here's some of my efforts. Unfortunately, I was really pushing the limits of the little OM-D and 12-60 zoom lens (f/2.8 at 12mm). A little bit of star trailing, but hopefully its not too bad when its all reduced in size for the web. I am struggling a bit with colour balance as well, so I've also done monochrome versions as well .

Al.

[h0ughy (David)]

cetainly entertaining shots remembering where you got those from. some interesting compositions. that airglow -pity it wasnt an aurora?

[sheeny (Al)]

Thanks Dave. These were all taken along the road to the north of the observing field.

I might have to re-process them I think... I've been trying to remove the green sky glow, thinking its a colour cast . I've only just found out about the solar storm.

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Ah... I tried to push the exposure a little in camera raw. That resulted in the green skyglow becoming overpowering.

Attempt 2...

Al.

[Octane (Humayun)]

I'd keep the green airglow, Al. Last night was a very unique night.

H

[MortonH]

My fave is no.5 of the first set (the black & white Milky Way). Has a classic film feel to it. Really nice.

[iceman (Mike)]

Excellent shots, Al! Love the ones down by the creek.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Octane

I'd keep the green airglow, Al. Last night was a very unique night.

H

Yes. The second batch is as captured so a more realistic representation of the conditions. Not having used this camera before, I was easily fooled into thinking it was a colour cast at high ISO/long exposure. The images I tried to push the exposure a bit in camera raw on were too green IMO and I was struggling to correct it.

Originally Posted by MortonH

My fave is no.5 of the first set (the black & white Milky Way). Has a classic film feel to it. Really nice.

Monochrome is always good when you have colour problems! But it can also be a case of less is more (take away the colour and gain impact).

Originally Posted by iceman

Excellent shots, Al! Love the ones down by the creek.

Magellan's Swimming Hole I think had potential if done with a 6D, I think. Great place... he used to swim there back in 1510. Still drops in occasionally for a quick dip... I guess that makes it the Great Magellanic Slip and Slide as well.

Al.

[Deeno]

Love it!
Really enjoying some of the compositions

[sheeny (Al)]

Thanks Deeno. Here's a few star trails from Thursday night, taken with the Oly OM-D and 8mm Zuiko 4/3 fisheye and minimal thought given to foregrounds.

Al.

[ourkind (Carlos)]

Great photos Al well done! I really like the monochrome LMC and further in the second batch the third image with the Pine Tree and LMC is a ripper!