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I thinking about getting a circular polarizing filter for my Canon 18-55mm kit lens...suggestions? I'm looking at maybe $100 max, but I'd like to keep it under $80.

Dschur wrote:A dark frame needs to be taken each time you do an exposure.

I'm not understanding exactly what to do with the dark frame. Do you just take one before or after the exposure and that's it, or do you actually do something with it in post-production?

http://www.naturephotographers.net/arti ... 509-1.html

Very in-depth article on star trails from one of the top night photographers out there (in my opinion one of the top overall nature photographers out there).

azpride wrote: http://www.naturephotographers.net/arti ... 509-1.html

Very in-depth article on star trails from one of the top night photographers out there (in my opinion one of the top overall nature photographers out there).

Thanks Joel!

good stuff!

http://schursastrophotography.com/10dmain.html
Here is some shots using a 10D.... there is simple star trail and some milky way shots with a tripod and or a tracking mount...
http://schursastrophotography.com/xtimain.html
And some using the Canon Rebel XTI... with the camera modified removing a filter across the chip...

A way of making star trails with 15 to 20 sec exposures.....
http://schursastrophotography.com/softw ... rails.html

hippiepunkpirate wrote:I'm not understanding exactly what to do with the dark frame. Do you just take one before or after the exposure and that's it, or do you actually do something with it in post-production?

It is used in post production to take out all the defects in your chip at that exact temp and time that you took the picture... cause everytime you take one your chip changes....

Cool....won't be able to use the stacking method as don't have Photoshop yet, but very good info.

You can create and manipulate layers in GIMP. I've never run it in Windows but I know people do...

Learning to use PS or GIMP is a world of it's own.

Gimp runs very well in windows.. I used to use it on my work laptop (since I had to meet corporate software audit requirements). I find it hard to use though, but really only since I've been using photoshop for so long the entire menuing system in Gimp is completely foreign, I want my darkroom tool icons, actions and hot keys!

joe bartels wrote:You can create and manipulate layers in GIMP. I've never run it in Windows but I know people do...

I use layers all the time in GIMP, mainly as a safeguard against mistakes, but always with layer masks to blend images. Looking at both Joel's and Dawn's links, the star trails processes are more complex than simply using layers. I'm not sure if GIMP is capable of those processes, but it certainly isn't obvious enough for me to figure it out myself just by looking at the Photoshop tutorials. I'll research it for GIMP, but as time goes on, it's becoming more and more of a priority for me to get a hold of Photoshop.

mike is correct, GIMP is a pain to figure out the controls if you're used to PS it drove me nuts for years.

If your heart is set on PS then you gotta get it!

That being said, you certainly can do it in GIMP. You won't have the handy macro script so it will be more steps.

I got my Phottix remote system today! I figured out how to use the corded remote, still trying to figure out the wireless remote. Now I just need this damn snowstorm to clear out so I can try it out under the stars!

My husband has been only able to do any astrophotos about 3 nights in the past 4 or 5 months.... Even without the rain or snow it has been cloudy most of the time...