Starry Skies

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Starry Skies.jpg
Starry Skies.jpg3120×2080 2.45 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

After some days of cloudy skies, they cleared up one night where we live in North Carolina when I was able to take this shot. I use the term, take versus make, because frankly I was so grateful to get anything with my55-200mm telephoto lens.

Specific Feedback

I took this photo with my 55-200mm, f/.3.5-4.8 lens. Would a 33mm, f/1.4 lens be a better option for this photo? I didn’t think about this when I went out so it wasn’t an option at that time.

Technical Details

Fujifilm X-T3 camera, Fuji XF55-200mm, f/3.5-4.8 shot at 55mm so I could get the most sky into the frame.

Critique Template

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2

Tom,

Do you remember the date you took this photo? I’m just curious as I’m trying to identify the stars. I think I can see Corona Borealis down in the lower right (that little u shape of stars) which would the bright one just above the tree Vega, but the little triangle just above and to the right is throwing me off, making me think the bright star is not Vega.

3

Hi Youssef,
I find it amazing you can identify these types of things! I took the photo on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:19 PM (EST). As I am sure you can tell, I have no idea what stars are in the photograph.

4

Hi Tom,

I am going to have to retract my first statement. From NC at that time and date, Corona Borealis would have already set and looking at your photo again, it seems like you are pointed fairly high up. Do you remember what direction you were facing, as know I am thinking that bright star might be Saturn.

5

Hi Youssef,

I think the camera was pointed toward the Northwest and yes, the camera was pointed fairly high. It’s interesting to think that I actually captured a photograph of Saturn! A definite first for me.

6

Sorry Tom,

I am mistaken again, I meant Jupiter, and I think the star grouping to the UR is probably Taurus.

Can anyone else help confirm?

7

Thanks again, Youssef for all of your comments… much appreciated.

8

Tom, this is a good night sky view. Getting the stars sharp and some light on the trees is a challenge that you’ve handled well here. Sharp stars depends on the focal length and the shutter speed, with shorter focal lengths letting you keep the shutter open longer before the stars start to elongate. You can find tables on the internet that provide such information for your camera and lens. Star trails are another option, where you put the camera on a tripod and leave the shutter open for minutes to hours.

9

Thank you, Mark for these pro tips. I appreciate them given this is the first ‘night’ scene I’ve ever shot.