# Sierra Night Sky

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** editors-pick, astro\
**Created:** [December 9, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344 "2024-12-09T15:29:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dave\_Douglass](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dave_douglass/32/5332_2.png) [@Dave\_Douglass](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dave_Douglass)\
**Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344/1 "2024-12-09T15:29:53Z")

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![MILKYWAY.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/5/9/59a352138503254b1f08f4c6e2d8cbf5b4227964.jpeg)

> **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_
> 
> The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

### Description

I caught this milky way shot a while back up near Yosemite a while back. I thought that the incidental blinking plane lights were “icing on the cake”.

### Specific Feedback

Cropping? Exposure?

### Technical Details

D500, 14mm lens, 24 seconds, f 2.8, tripod, ISO 3200, cropped to 4950 x 3300.

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### Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

- Vision and Purpose:
- Conceptual:
- Emotional Impact and Mood:
- Composition:
- Balance and Visual Weight:
- Depth and Dimension:
- Color:
- Lighting:
- Processing:
- Technical:

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**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\
**Post date:** [December 9, 2024, 6:39pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344/2 "2024-12-09T18:39:06Z")

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Cool! I normally don’t like wide-angle distortion but it works here to focus leading lines on the MW and the dead trees in the center add a spooky vibe. Detail in the MW is pleasing – pulling out more would probably look too pushed. And the DOF got the trees and the stars sharp – I’m surprised f/2.8 did such a good job! Nice work!

The central Sierra is such a crossroads for airline traffic!

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**Author:** ![Paul\_Holdorf](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/paul_holdorf/32/24908_2.png) [@Paul\_Holdorf](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Paul_Holdorf)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:15pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344/3 "2025-01-08T14:15:47Z")

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This is beautiful. I love these dusty green late season skies. I personally don’t typically like any signs of humanity in any of my photos, but the alternating colors in the light trails are pretty cool!

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**Author:** ![beth\_young](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/beth_young/32/10817_2.png) [@beth\_young](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/beth_young)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 7:59pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/sierra-night-sky/44344/4 "2025-01-11T19:59:48Z")

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Hi Dave, it’s amazing how many planes fly over Yosemite Valley, isn’t it! I’m usually busy cloning plane lights and contrails out of my shots but the effect here is reminiscent of a meteor shower- really celestial and beautiful! I love the diagonal lines throughout and it’s a scene that makes me feel like I’m lying in a hammock under the stars.