Trying to create star trails, need some help please

1 year 15 hours ago #750511 by Paul Rittenhouse
I saw a shot that showed the star trails going around in a circle.  I'm trying to create the same.  Now I'm a bit new to photography so still learning all this exposure stuff.  But I watched a YouTube and followed the instructions for star trails, but when I try to keep my shutter open for longer trails, the photo gets all noisy and sky becomes washed out.  

Not sure what I'm doing incorrect here.  I've experimented with exposures and the shorter times simply don't create long trails.  

I would greatly appreciate your help.  

Paul


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1 year 14 hours ago #750514 by Razky

Paul Rittenhouse wrote: I saw a shot that showed the star trails going around in a circle. I'm trying to create the same. Now I'm a bit new to photography so still learning all this exposure stuff. But I watched a YouTube and followed the instructions for star trails, but when I try to keep my shutter open for longer trails, the photo gets all noisy and sky becomes washed out.
Not sure what I'm doing incorrect here. I've experimented with exposures and the shorter times simply don't create long trails.
I would greatly appreciate your help. Paul

Washed out sky is the result of overexposure. Decrease your ISO and/or select a smaller aperture.


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1 year 13 hours ago #750515 by Paul Rittenhouse

Razky wrote:

Paul Rittenhouse wrote: I saw a shot that showed the star trails going around in a circle. I'm trying to create the same. Now I'm a bit new to photography so still learning all this exposure stuff. But I watched a YouTube and followed the instructions for star trails, but when I try to keep my shutter open for longer trails, the photo gets all noisy and sky becomes washed out.
Not sure what I'm doing incorrect here. I've experimented with exposures and the shorter times simply don't create long trails.
I would greatly appreciate your help. Paul

Washed out sky is the result of overexposure. Decrease your ISO and/or select a smaller aperture.



Thank you for the help, I'll try that!  


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1 year 11 hours ago - 1 year 11 hours ago #750519 by Mason Latka
Well there is a bit more to it than that.  But circular star trail photography can be created by using a long exposure technique with a camera and tripod (super important). Here are the steps to create circular star trail photography:
  1. Find a location with a clear view of the night sky and minimal light pollution. This will ensure the stars are visible and will provide a dark background for the star trails.
  2. Set up your camera on a tripod and frame the shot. Make sure the camera is level and stable. (don't touch after).
  3. Set the camera to manual mode and adjust the settings. Set the ISO to 400 or lower, and set the aperture to f/2.8 or wider to allow as much light as possible to enter the lens. Set the shutter speed to a longer exposure time, such as 30 seconds or more.
  4. Start the exposure and let the camera take photos continuously for several hours. This will capture the movement of the stars as they move across the sky.
  5. Once you have finished the exposure, import the photos into an editing software such as Photoshop. Use the "stacking" function to align the photos and merge them into one image.
  6. Use Photoshop to convert the image into a circular pattern. This will create the circular shape of the star trails.
  7. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance as desired to enhance the image.
Boom that is that.


Photo Comments
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11 months 3 weeks ago #750644 by Freshstart
+1 you need to take all the photos for and then stack in Photoshop or whatever stacking software you are using.  I have a friend who does astrophotography and I know that is what they do when we head out.  It's a time consuming process, but can yield some nice photos when you get it nailed down.  Good luck!


Photo Comments
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11 months 3 weeks ago #750662 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Paul

The above suggestions are okay if they work for you
I have been shooting star trails via digital cameras for many years now (plus film cameras going back to the 1960s)

The easiest way to do them is (I would suggest for you) is
a) download the Startrails stacking software from "Startrails.de". The software was created by a photographer/astronomer and is available as a free download

b) your camera needs to be able to shoot many frames when set to 'continuous' mode, plus a remote control device to permit the shutter to be locked 'on'.
c) set camera to i) continuous mode + ii) "M" mode + iii) ISO-800 + iv) Aperture F2,8 or F4,0 + v) shutter to 30-seconds + vi) lens set to infinity + vii) set images to JPG not RAW
d) about 1/2-hour after sunset, camera on tripod, point northwards (if you're up north), set camera as above, press remote control to 'on', listen for a minute or two for the shutter 'clunk' to open, open-again, open-again, then go and have a cuppa

After 1/2- hour (in the beginning) rescue camera and upload your 200-or so images to your computer

Use the Startrails software to stack the images ... (on my bog-standard laptop) 350 images takes about 12-15 minutes in hi-quality mode

If you would like more info, please email me and I will respond with a PDF from my training workshops
"[email protected]"

Hope this helps
Phil

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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11 months 2 weeks ago #751243 by Paul Rittenhouse
Man, you guys are awesome.  I was so excited to try all this out, but I got sick and just barely getting back on my feet.  Hope to try out these tips this weekend!


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