First attempt: starry night

[S_Sanyal]

Hello folks. This is a first for me, so I would really appreciate some feedback on whether this is how its done.

Gear: Nikon D90; 18-200 mm VRII lens
Exposure data: focal length-18mm, aperture-f/4, iSO100, exposure time -30s, WB-5300K

The story:
I landed on this scene when it had already turned quite dark; in early evening light, i didnt see that many stars so i had waited. It was practically pitch dark where/when I shot this. The tree in the foreground was moving in breeze over the duration of exposure so its not very sharp, as you can see.Also I dont have a remote release, so I had to decrease f-number to get some reasonable light, as I couldnt increase exposure time beyond 30s.

More specifically:
- do you think in more ambient light, earlier in the evening i could have got the stars with a much more stopped down aperture
- does the image give the dreamy feeling its supposed to.
- i did want to keep the horizon, and the sexy orange light picture, so i didnt crop/clone the structure in the bottom right, is that too distracting
- other flattering/critical feedback is most welcome i actually like this shot

Thanks
S

[Michael_2010]

I like this shot too. Did you shoot in RAW? If so, you might want to try different exposure compensations to lighten it up just a little without losing the colors and the drama of the shot.

When you don't have a remote mechinism, or you have forgotten to take it along, it is best to set your camera to give the shutter a 2 second delay. That way you can press the shutter release, move away and the camera has time to calm down before the shutter goes off.

[ritewinger]

I think this is a beautiful photo, a fine effort on your part. I agree, a remote should be in your immediate future, there are many good ones on the market, rf (wireless) would be the way to go....

[LeeR]

I lightened this considerably and it looks great. The more I lightened the better it got (to a point, of course.) You've get a real winner here!

[Henry Wilt]

I would agree with the other posts in the fact it looks a great shot but needs to be a little lighter.
Also agree regarding a remote of some sorts, I bought mine when I bought the camera because the Mrs kept going on about it (something one of the staff in the shop said to her in Thai that I didn't catch set her off) but didn't think I'd really use it. I was very wrong and should be eternally grateful to her.

PS. If you do edit it at all, please post it up again. I'd love to see the results.

[S_Sanyal]

Thanks everyone for your remarks,encouragement and feedback. I'll get the remote

IN any case I'm posting my response to the unanimous feedback that the image would be better if lighter. Let me know if this is ok.

Thanks.
S

@ Michael, i did release shutter with delay, its the general process i follow to avoid shake, but I was talking about remote in regard to having more control over exposure-time beyond that programmed into the camera

Also shot some film. IF you're interested its posted here as I cant put up all these in one go on DPS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramblin...7624441994837/

[derekspacelewis]

Great job on the edit! Its definitely a winner in my book.

[Captured by Grace]

Very nice shot! I'd say for your first attempt, it is very good. Love the edit.

[Henry Wilt]

Yep, love the edit. Great shot.

[wbrook13]

I love the shot!
I have a question though . . . . . doesn't your Nikon have a Bulb setting? I shoot with a Canon, but I would be willing to bet that, if you look past the 30 second setting, you will find a "B" setting, which will allow you to shoot longer exposures.