STAR TRAILS

[click to enlarge]

A real dark night, usually away from stray light or town lights, is ideal. Check the newspaper for moonless nights.

EQUIPMENT

Camera
 Iso 100 FujiFilm
 Tripod
 Cable Release with locking unit
 Torch
 Lens hood to avoid any flare

SETTINGS

Camera – set to “B” (BULB) – MANUAL
LENS – Wide Angle or short focal length.
APERTURE – Wide open ( Example F1.4, F2.8 OR F4)
EXPOSURE – ISO  50 – F1.4
                        ISO  100 – F2
                        ISO  400 – F4
                        ISO 1600 – F8

NB: Some cameras can have their batteries removed that usually operate the exposure meter. This would save the power drained over a lengthy exposure period. Remember, you are on MANUAL and your speed setting is on “B” – BULB.

FOCUS:- Place on infinity

A real dark night, usually away from stray light or town lights, is ideal.
Check the newspaper for moonless nights. Moonlight will lower the contrast between the night sky and the stars. Make sure there is little or no cloud cover. Intermittent clouds will produce equally intermittent star trails.

Point your camera right at the SOUTHERN CROSS. This will give you a full circle star trail effect. By pointing your camera to the East or West would produce oblique lines.

Your exposure can be anything from 45 minutes, which will give you short lines in a circle, to 3 to 5 hours, which will give you long lines in the form of a circle.

If you found an ideal spot, but some stray light can be seen in your viewfinder, try and hide them behind a tree, rocks or even the horizon. This will render an aura to the horizon.

If you wish to “PAINT IN” those rocks or trees that happen to be in your picture and are in focus, just use your torch to do so for a minute or so during your long time  exposure. A hand held flash on full power or even car headlights (for a minute or so) can also do the job.

Make notes of your varying exposure times and enjoy the night sky.

DEREK PEARMAN HON. FPSSA, FPSSA