In arriving at the mission this trip I discovered they had added a high intensity light behind the monument. At first glance I thought this would further complicate the scene and change the mood of the composition. I decided I would make an exposure metering on the brightly lit bricks inside the windows and handhold my flash firing it during my exposure. I also turned my flash head to the portrait position to fill more lengthwise. I then took 27 images to generate the star trails merged them together and added my first exposure on top using layer mask in Photoshop brushed away the unwanted sky. I planned short star arcs so as not to distract too much from the monument. 1D Mark III on tripod w/24-70 f/2.8 set at 40 mm and 580 EXII flash set at 1/2 power and triggered manually at camera distance, camera left. Overcoming light pollution at this location is a real challenge and reduced the number of visible stars greatly. There was also better than a 1/4 moon so that didn't help the light problem either. This image is the effort of five trips to location, with some failures due to incoming unpredicted bad weather. The flash exposure setting; ISO 200, 8 sec, f/8 w/flash at 1/2 power and the star trails; ISO 200, 120 sec, f/5.6.
mikebaird, trevorscottcarpenter, and 51 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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royschoeman 53 months ago | reply
brilliant, well done.
Kerde Severin 53 months ago | reply
I pick this photograph to be on the cover of National Geographic
National Geographic: Are You Good Enough?
Callanan Photo 53 months ago | reply
Great Photo. Happy Trails. Ha Ha.
Discovered! This is invitation to add your photograph to
fajao4 53 months ago | reply
WOW! All your hard work certainly paid off. The end result is amazing. Excellent work.
halfsharkaligatorman 53 months ago | reply
This is a great photo. Did you pop the flash on the building to light it up?, or was there a little spot light already on it? Im jealous, this photo has the potential for great things.
lameato feliz 53 months ago | reply
favorita ...linda foto
astoria4u 53 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Photos of Merit, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
connie-and-etcyl 53 months ago | reply
Awesome!
rayshader 53 months ago | reply
Your picture seen in:
Photos of Merit
Fantastic long exposure!
hyewalt34 52 months ago | reply
This one really rings the bell! Outstanding Kevin ******
carlocc 52 months ago | reply
Love this shot. Thanks for the technical information.
sandyfeetphoto 51 months ago | reply
WOW this is fantastic! I am just learning about star trails and can't wait to try one out. your comp with the monument and it's lighting is wonderful!
Thanks for the info and the inspiration! Fav.
Seen in star trails pool
odditty 49 months ago | reply
whoooa! you put a ton of work into this shot, but it really shows! definitely a fav =)
carol koceja©..point lobos girl© 48 months ago | reply
I pick this photograph to be on the cover of National Geographic
National Geographic: Are You Good Enough?
Splendid image, what a joy to view!
carol koceja©..point lobos girl© 48 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called TRAVELS of HOMER ODYSSEY, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
carol koceja©..point lobos girl© 48 months ago | reply
You are invited to display your image.
Better Than Good
Invitation Only
Please accept our invite for this wonderful Mission image! This is breathtaking!
If you accept this Invitation,
dd marie 48 months ago | reply
b>Your Image Truly Is:
Better Than Good
Jim Purcell 25 months ago | reply
Very cool!
mikebaird 24 months ago | reply
Kevin, Well-deserved ranking amongst the "most interesting" in the photomorrobay pool I just noticed
www.flickriver.com/groups/photomorrobay/pool/interesting/
flythebirdpath~}~}~} 20 months ago | reply
What patience! What a magnificent outcome!