Eureka Valley Trails

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 25, 2014169 views6 comments

While we're at it - some more star trails. This time in Eureka Valley. I liked the pattern in the dried out playa with the dune in the background. Boosted contrast in the foreground quite a bit and darkened it to give this a nightly feeling. Accentuated the trails using the clarity slider. Hope this one works for you.

Nikon D610, 18-35 AF-S, single exposure (roughly 30 min). I was a few minutes early with the exposure (after sunset), therefore the sky is a bit brighter than ideal.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on December 26, 2014 at 8:08 AM

It's a dynamic image with a terrific foreground to go with the star trails, Basil. As you pointed out yourself, the sky is bight for a night sky image. Actually, I think the entire image should be quite a bit darker, along the lines of your previous version.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Ryan Shain on December 26, 2014 at 2:08 PM

Hi Basil,

I think the image looks great with lots of interest from the fg patterns in the desert to the star trails up top. I am by no means experienced in night time photography like this, but it does look a bit bright to me. Maybe bring down the image a bit over all to give it that night time feel? I am interested what others have to say about this image from this location.

I think it is beautiful work no matter what, and this image has such nice clarity about it

Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on December 27, 2014 at 7:54 AM

I'm OK with the brighter interpretation here. Those dark rocks in the right lower corner are not the best thing to have in the foreground IMO.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Zelinka on December 27, 2014 at 2:51 PM

A very compelling image, the only thing I don't like are the fg rocks - they don't seem to add much to the photo.

Registered on August 20, 2007, 206 Posts, 998 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on December 27, 2014 at 6:33 PM

I like the tonal scale as is because it's somewhat other-worldly. I like the detail in the playa, and the background. I am on the fence with the foreground rocks, too.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by D.A. Edwards on December 29, 2014 at 5:34 PM

I'm OK with the brightness although I could see playing around with the overall to see if you come up with something that works. As far as the FG rocks go, I like them as they inform the viewer as to what those black spots are off in the MG.

I'm planning on spending a night on the west side of that playa the next time I'm in DV... it's always intrigued me.

Registered on October 8, 2014, 226 Posts, 1187 Comments