First attempt at Star Trails

[Marcuscarcus]

I am trying this right now since i just got a wireless shutter release.

[Neaty]

Originally Posted by Murtasma

How was the noise in the final image? Do you think waiting another hour was worth the noise reduction or could a better job have been handled reducing the noise in post processing?

Thanks I have a 5D so the noise was minimal anyway. I would say it's worth the wait for the noise reduction. I prefer to get as much as possible right in camera rather than relying on software and PPing.

[mikez53]

I would say that the two hours was time well spent. This is a spectacular shot. Thank you for sharing this.

[LostMahbles]

How did you determine where the axis of the stars would be? The "center" of the stars kind of makes the shot. Is there a way to know just by looking where that center would be?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[dcclark]

Yes, just point at the north star. The north star is pretty easy to find. Either just point your camera north, or else: locate the Big Dipper, and follow the stars at the end of the dipper part (not the handle). They'll point right towards a moderately bright star, which is the north star.

[ressalg]

Very nicely done. I'd consider submitting this to one of the astronomy magazines or even Astronomy Picture of the Day.