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GVA — Star Trails Tutorial
Published: 2009-07-27 01:39:20 +0000 UTC; Views: 10626; Favourites: 252; Downloads: 0
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I've been threatening to post a tutorial on dA for some time now. Finally, after 3 years, here it is.....Make Your World Spin: Star Stacking Tips And Tricks
Got a great response to my first star trails image, Heaven And Earth , and thought someone, somewhere, might find this useful.
Let me know what you think.
The tutorial assumes a basic knowledge and access to Photoshop and Lightroom - although Lightroom isn't necessary. I know there's dedicated software out there for star stacking but I wasn't happy with the ones I tired.
Enjoy!
And let me know what you come up with. Can't wait to see them! Oh, and if you like the original image don't forget it to show it some love ------>> [link]
www.garyannettphotography.com
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Comments: 34
Ooooooh. Can't wait to get started
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Brilliant tutorial; thanks a ton for making it.
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
This is exactly what I was looking for
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Thank you very much for adding this. I have just started trying star trails, and I need all the information I can get!
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I haven't read the whole thing (yet) but this is just what I was looking for
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This wonderful artwork got featured
:: Once Upon a Star - a starry feature ::
Hope you don't mind 
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You can get a similar result by stacking a series of 30sec exposures using your TV or Time mode, if you don't have Bulb mode. This usually allows a maximum 30sec exposure
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Thanks for the tutorial Gary. Once the evenings get a little warmer I'll be trying this myself.
Mick
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for the 8 minute base layer part do you take 8 minutes of 30 second exposures?
I'm not sure if I get that part, but everything else makes sense! really great tutorial. I'll be sure to show you how my images come out, if I can figure out how to do the base layer part haha
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Nope, it's a single 8-minute exposure. It's hard to see it in the tutorial but it's just enough to soak up a little ambient light in the foreground.
Let me know how you go. Would love to see the results!
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Thanks man. I tried taking a long exposure the other night and I give it 2 minutes. When I saw it on the screen it was completely white. Any ideas why this would be?
I will give the 30sec exposure a go the next time I am out.
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Ummm, might have been a bright moon or even a street light... You'd be amazed how little light it takes to over expose a long exposer. You almost need to be in the middle of nowhere to avoid city light pollution. Hope your next attempt bears some fruit.
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Thanks. I think my next attempt will be fine. Moving to the countryside away from the city.
I will try again then.
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the hardest part is the focus for me.
Thanks for that great tut
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I was fiddling with something similar the other night from my balcony, but your tutorial is excellent, nicely done mate.
Marcus
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Wow, thanks for sharing your experience! It's very interesting and useful.
I'm looking forward to try this myself. Still waiting for enough free time, beer and the proper location
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Thank you so much Gary!
On my last trip, I tried some long exposure things.
It's true that the moon is real pain.
Whenever I looked at the sky through my camera I didn't see anything. Not Even if there are any stars, just nothing.
Did you close the viewfinder for this? I've got a little rubber cap for that. Is this thing helpful?
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Awesome Gary!
Only problem for me is that I live in england and you know it's ALWAYS cloudy and raining here!
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Yep, not better better here in Melbourne at the moment - gotta get out of the city and away from the rain. The outback is made for shots like this!
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I was waiting on this
I wanted to try it out myself one night, but thanks to this tutorial my attempt can only become more successful!
Thank you so much Gareth!
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This is STUNNING
Beautiful, Wonderful, Helpful, Clear ..
Thank you so much for uploading this !
I"ll give it a try soon
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