The Big Dipper

[rikkersc]

I have two versions of the same photo. I can't tell which one I like better.
They are both photos of the Big Dipper.
The first has been converted to B&W,the highlights increased to make the stars a little brighter, then cropped.
The second has the shadows lightened to make the sky more of a navy rather than just black and the midtones increased slightly.
Which is the better shot? Any tips on improvements? (I have Photoshop Elements 5)

[windrider86]

Definatley the second one. It doesnt look quite as grainy as the first

[clockdoc]

Hi. Can you share with us the equipment and technique you used to capture this photo? Many thanks.

[rikkersc]

Sure, clockdoc.
Equipment: Canon 300D with 18-55mm kit lens
Manfrotto tripod with trigger grip ball head
Corded remote
EXIF data: focal length: 24mm
ISO 400
exposure time: 20 sec.
aperture: f/3.5
exposure compensation: +1
I set the tripod up and put the camera on in portrait orientation (the only way to fit it all in).
I aimed in the general direction of the stars I wanted to capture and pushed the remote.
It was trial and error on getting the stars in the frame since they were not visible through the eyepiece (Odd, since I could seen them with the naked eye and on the LCD screen). After each shot, they were visible on the LCD screen, so I adjusted the camera until I got a shot where the entire constellation was in the frame.
I did a little post production work in Photoshop Elements which was mentioned on the original post. (Mainly to adjust for color - my husband liked it more blue than black) No sharpening or anything. I probably could do more work to it if needed, but I'm not sure what to do.

Hope this helps. If I'm missing something, let me know I'll try to explain more.

[clockdoc]

Many thanks for the explanation. You must live in the country, away from the interference of city lights. 8-) I haven't tried any "astrophotography" since I started with digital. My last effort was to center the North star in my viewfinder and leave the shutter open for about 30 minutes creating an interesting series of arcs all rotating around the North star. As I recall I was using Tri-X black and white 35mm film for this experiment. Noise may be a consideration for such a long exposure with digital. Thanks again for providing us with the details of your shot.

[rikkersc]

Actually, I live in the suburbs, but spend summers in the "sort of" country. (Small town, but nights can be decently dark)
Our neighbor put up a really bright light that comes on at dusk and stays on all night. So, I was a little surprized at how well the photo came out.
I wanted to try some star trails, but I'm not sure how the light will affect it - with the lens having to be open for so long.
I couldn't try it that night since clouds were coming in. Hopefully another clear night will come along and I can do some more experimenting.