Josh Lohff  


Last Night by Josh Lohff

May 2023 - Last Night

About the Image(s)


EQUIPMENT & EXIF
Canon R5 / EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM & 30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 6400, 16 mm (shot on a tripod)

IMAGE DESCRIPTION & INTENDED EFFECT
This is a shot from the Oregon Coast. I was trying to capture the Milky Way and the coastline, in a single exposure.

POST PROCESSING STEPS
I did a fair bit of work on this image to bring the Milky Way out, which was primarily achieved with the heavy use of masks.

I'm always interested in feedback, but am particularly interested in this case about any feedback folks have on how to bring-out the details of the stars.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
4 comments posted




Alan Kiecker   Alan Kiecker
Ahhh ... a favorite subject of mine, but with the cloudy skies of Minnesota one that I seldom have the opportunity to photograph. I think you have done quite a nice job as it is.

Have you tried taking multiple exposures then combining them with a program such as Sequator? This star stacking technique is used to reduce the noise. Then take a single image with a low ISO exposed for the foreground. Then combine these two images for the final image.

There is much information about astrophotography available online. I found the book "Night Sky Photography ... From First Principles to Professional Results" by Adam Woodworth to be quite useful. I also suggest www.mikeshawphotography.com and www.lonelyspeck.com Mike Shaw has two or three books now that address astrophotography. He is local so my camera club has had him give us a presentation. He also occassionally gives webinars - that where I learned about photographing frozen bubbles.   Posted: 05/10/2023 17:21:34



Jo-Ann Rolle   Jo-Ann Rolle
(Group 81)
Capturing the essence of the universe in a single frame is ambitious yet this image showcases an explosion of colors and points of light in the night sky that tells a story. This mesmerizing snapshot elicits a sense of wonder by creating a harmonious blend of earthly and celestial elements.

As one gaze is drawn to the vivid hues of the sky, you can't help but notice the striking contrast of light and shadow on the ground. Amidst the various shades of brown earth, a mysterious light source creates an intriguing juxtaposition. The ambiguity of its origin adds an enigmatic touch to the photograph, inviting the viewer to ponder its meaning and allowing each person to craft their own narrative around it.

However, some might argue that masking the light on the ground would provide a greater focus on the dazzling sky. While this is certainly a valid perspective, the inclusion of the earthly light source adds an element of depth and complexity to the image, making it even more engaging and visually captivating.

Josh's choice of composition also plays a vital role in the photograph's success. The vast expanse of the sky, occupying most of the frame, serves as a metaphorical canvas for the dazzling celestial display. Meanwhile, the earth below anchors the composition and connects the viewer to the terrestrial world. This interplay between the ethereal and the grounded creates a powerful visual experience.

Josh's image is a testament to the beauty and complexity of Mother Nature, showcasing her ability to paint the universe with an awe-inspiring array of colors and light. The image invites viewers to immerse themselves in its splendor, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the vastness of the cosmos. It is a remarkable achievement in both composition and execution . Well done, Josh!   Posted: 05/10/2023 19:14:05



David Kepley   David Kepley
Josh,
Stars are tough! You did an excellent job of capturing the Milky Way, along with some very interesting foreground. Well done!! Several suggestions: The image is noisy. This is not noticeable in the starry sky, but it is in the foreground. Suggest you run the foreground portion of the image through Topaz DeNoise AI. I also suggest you consider darkening the lights in the bottom. They take my eye away from the Milky Way, which is the star of your show (no pun intended)! In examining the stars, they are pretty good ,but 30 seconds was probably about 5 seconds too long. There is a slight blur to individual stars.   Posted: 05/13/2023 10:51:53



Craig Callan   Craig Callan
These images always fascinate me. There's a "Dark Sky" designated area close to me in Florida, which I've been meaning to go to.
I agree with David on the noise in the ground area. In addition to Topaz DeNoise, you might apply the conventional LR noise control through a graduated filter, or if you're keeping Lightroom up-to-date, you might try the new LR AI Noise reduction.   Posted: 05/15/2023 08:04:01