Tunnel View by Moonlight

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 10, 20178,740 views8 comments

Thanks so much for the comments on my previous image. In the past I've sometimes presented images in chronological order. I may or may not finish in order, but for now, this is the next image after the previous sunset image. I don't sleep very well, and when on a photo trip, it's even worse. This trip was no exception. After tossing and turning, by 3:30 AM I said screw it, I'm heading to the valley. But wait, this is the day of the Daylight savings switch, it's actually 2:30 now.... Maybe with the passing storm, possible snow and light from a full moon, there was a chance for awesome conditions. I was set up and ready to photograph by 3:15. I was the only soul at Tunnel View. It was awesome. For the next 3 hours I watched the fog come and go on the valley floor and engulf El Capitan and Bridal Veil falls; the clouds zoomed overhead with the occasional mist or rain drop; the moon danced among the clouds lighting the valley below.

This is only the 2nd or 3rd time I've photographed at night. First time I've ever posted, so go easy on me. The RAW file is horrific; very, very noisy and soft. I learned after the fact from Harley that I should have the long exposure NR set on my camera. I did not.
I don't normally provide the technicals (I should more often,) but with the night photography I thought I should:
Nikon D800E, Nikon 28-300mm @32mm
ISO 1600
f/5.6 @ 15sec
NIKs noise reduction and RAW presharpener in post, among other layers.

Lastly, there is so much about this that is cliche and over done; the starry night images (sorry, no Milky Way here..) night time moon lit landscape - all from one of the most iconic locations in the world. But I didn't care. I was the only soul in the world standing there for those glorious moments. By 6 AM or so there was a good 50 or so folks awaiting sunrise.

Sorry for the novel. Just wanted to share the image and the experience. Thanks for any comments or tips on night photography!

Lon

Edit: Thanks for catching that Harley. I spent time at both locations that morning. But this is certainly Tunnel View

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 10, 2017 at 2:27 PM

Beautiful. I hate to say it, but I think I would prefer it with the stars cloned out, as I find them distracting and out of place give the daylight look to the image. But great conditions and great image.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lowe on November 10, 2017 at 3:23 PM

Cliche or not ( I don't think it is BTW) it's a beautiful shot. Respect Harley's opinion a lot, but I would be tempted to leave the stars in the image. Might be tempted to darken the lower portion of the sky to take away a bit of the daytime look. IMHO

Registered on February 11, 2004, 777 Posts, 5252 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on November 10, 2017 at 11:00 PM

I can offer no advice on night photography, Lon. I do like the image however. To me it's more about a journey to experience the places we love in as many conditions as we possibly can. To experiment with new ideas and techniques and expand our bag of tricks. Everyone with an Iphone can take nice pictures, but they can't do this. I spend alot of sleepless nights myself, perhaps it's time to learn some night stuff. sad

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on November 10, 2017 at 11:42 PM

I am intrigued with what you have done here, Lon. The solitude had to have been a real joy and to witness the ever changing conditions were the icing on the cake. I have limited experience with night images, but I could see this a bit darker, particularly the sky. You may be able to play around with curves to accomplish that. I watched a video a couple of weeks ago, but do not remember the name. If I can recall who it was I will let you know as this is certainly worth tweeking a bit more. I hope you have some more to post.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on November 11, 2017 at 2:54 AM

Love the narrative love the 15 s shot. Great balance with the clouds the fog is fantastic too, El Cap looks ready for the day. Good capture, Lon.

Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on November 11, 2017 at 3:28 PM

Thanks for the backstory. Hey, if you can't sleep - no better place to be than communing with the landscape.

This is a fascinating image, Lon. I really like the way the clouds seem to ring the scene. 15 sec shutter worked well to show some movement in the clouds while still retaining some texture. Processing looks good to me, although El Cap looks a bit bright and I could see burning it down just a touch.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on November 13, 2017 at 3:38 PM

Your excitement at spending time alone at night with the camera is contagious, and I have also felt that way the few times I have done it. I think for a first pass at night photography this is outstanding. One of the biggest challenges is getting the lens wide open for the stars and focused on infinity, while also getting the closer subjects in focus, like El Cap in yours. I guess that's where focus stacking comes in, or multiple exposures at different times of day, etc. There is always so much to learn!
Thanks for sharing this. I think I prefer this one to the later image you posted.

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Moreau on November 13, 2017 at 5:15 PM

Lon, I really like this. I'm not usually one to be concerned with the cliches and iconic locations as you mention, as long as the photo is a beautiful one, and this one certainly is. The moonlight hitting El Cap is stunning, and I really like the silhouetted trees against the fog in the LR. Lastly, I like the shape of the clouds around the central sky. From your description, it sounds like a wonderful experience, and you captured a wonderful photo to go along with it.

Registered on April 21, 2015, 64 Posts, 584 Comments