rubbish

Let’s get this over with first.  This week’s image is a poor photograph.

So, why am I posting it then?  I mean I normally only post images I’m happy to share with you.

Well, this image illustrates just how difficult photography can be at times. It was taken in pitch black conditions in the Brecon Beacons (a designated dark sky area here in the U.K.). The foreground is out of focus and soft, the land is too bright, and the star trails are too short.  

Fujifilm X-T2, Samyang 12mm f2.0

8 minutes at f2.8, ISO 1600

tripod, cable release

All because I was impatient and couldn’t wait for perfect conditions (i.e. a new moon), didn’t think enough about the basics and miscalculated the exposure time to get decent trails.  I went far too early and therefore the odd car went past leaving unwanted light trails.

I am, however, happy with the composition, with the pole star in the top right of the image and trails radiating around it. And the waterfall makes for an interesting counterpoint to the sky.

So, I’m posting it because I want to go back later in the night when conditions are better and I’m better prepared (this was very much a last-minute rushed thing) and in a better frame of mind.  And when I do, I’ll post the infinitely superior image I’ll make.

Footnote:  by the way, I'm back on the road again.  My doctor is happy my symptoms have decreased.  Yay!!