The Bear

[Steaphany]

This is finally achieving success with a low light/night image with my SD14. For anyone who has or used a Foveon imager based camera, these can be particularly challenging to get the noise under control when shooting in low light and night conditions. This image is the culmination of numerous tests conducted over four days of shooting, being the buffet for the evening mosquitoes, and working through Foveon issues to finally figure out the process. Don't be fooled by the exposure settings, there is a bit more needed in post processing to achieve the magic. This image was shot 45 minutes and 14 seconds after Sunset when it was so dark that I had to use a light just to see the controls of my camera.

The title, The Bear, conveys a double meaning. First, the amount of work to achieve the result that I was aiming for and Second, because Ursa Major is visible in the sky, an unplanned bonus.

The Bear
Sigma SD14 18-50mm @ 18mm, f/2.8, 10s, ISO 800

[Donald]

Steaphany

I have enormous admiration for your verve in applying your technical and scientific knowledge in pursuit of exploration and learning. There's an amazing richness in the tone.

[Steaphany]

At Donald's suggestion, please read explaining what a Foveon Imager is and why this image was a challenge

and for those who don't know where to look to see the Bear:

Pixel Peeper's Special - The Bear ( 50% )

Yes, you can distinguish Alcor, ( 80 Ursae Majoris ), visual magnitude 4.00, from Mizar ( 79 Ursae Majoris ), visual magnitude 2.22 !