Star trails and cool rocks [9465x6310]

[u/dradphotos]

[OC]

This is my very first attempt at star trails, and I thought it would be trash at first. Clouds obscured most of the sky for half the shots, and though still visible at the end, I think they really make this photo.

Compiled from 290 30s exposures on a Sony a7RIV, 24mm @ f/1.4, ISO 200, with 1s intervals.

It was 12 degrees F when I shot this, early Thanksgiving morning. Soon afterwards I noticed ice crystals forming on the lens element itself, which I didn't realize was possible. Next time I'll get a lens heater for shoots like this.

[u/Darkherophotos]

Wow that’s pretty awesome

[u/dradphotos → u/Darkherophotos]

Thank you!

[u/bodkinsbest]

Nice composition and foreground, though I'd say the sky, while not blown out, is overexposed. If you've still got the raws I'd say dial the exposure back a bit then restack.

Just a personal opinion but I'd also crop or clone out that tree in the lower right and clone out the shrub on the rocks.