Drua by moonlight (composition help needed)

[Stagecoach]

I came across these as I was returning from a star trail trial and managed to get a few shots before the pre- sunrise light affected the moonlight.

Tonight I will have another go (weather permitting) and if there are no clouds do a long star trail, which limits time for 'variations of composition'.

My dilemma is one of composition, should I shoot this view from a lower angle? This was shot from normal standing position tripod height.



Grahame

[JBW]

a lower position would have you pointing towards the stars and if you could get Saturn just above the mast?

[Barbara Ponder]

I would think a lower position would be better for what you are wanting to do. If it were me I might try a shot that would eliminate the boat in the background. I think the single might be more impactful.

[Stagecoach]

a lower position would have you pointing towards the stars and if you could get Saturn just above the mast?

Brian, my venture into this area of photography is only just starting and I haven't a clue how to locate Saturn at present.

So far I have only managed to determine where I am, what I will see looking through a 28mm lens on a FF and confirm I can get the centre of rotation in the frame whilst including foreground when on site

This is what was up there in the shot above this morning.............

[Stagecoach]

I would think a lower position would be better for what you are wanting to do. If it were me I might try a shot that would eliminate the boat in the background. I think the single might be more impactful.

I was unable to get a single shot of the large Drua at this angle Barbara as I would have been facing the city more with its unwanted light, and from the other side it would have been in shadow of the moonlight. Tonight may be different depending upon how they have grounded as the tide went out.

My thoughts of taking it from a lower angle are that at least some of the hull would be above the horizon.

[JBW]

Well this is good you are already using Stellarium. Excellent program . But to make it easy When the moon rises tonight there will be one really bright star near it and that is Saturn. I should warn you that astrophotography is exceptionally addictive and can get horrifyingly expensive.
B.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[tao2]

Hi Grahame,

how about 5-10 yards tae your left, then shoot between the boats. The original looks a bit "tight" with the two hulls.

[John 2]

Hi Grahame,

how about 5-10 yards tae your left, then shoot between the boats. The original looks a bit "tight" with the two hulls.

My thoughts also but as you have already pointed out, tonight may present a different scene.

[rpcrowe]

If I shot this, I "might" have tried to avoid the boat at the surf line. However, as is, it is a very neat shot!

[Stagecoach]

Well this is good you are already using Stellarium. Excellent program . But to make it easy When the moon rises tonight there will be one really bright star near it and that is Saturn. I should warn you that astrophotography is exceptionally addictive and can get horrifyingly expensive.
B.

I can report that Saturn was where you advised Brian

[Stagecoach]

Nice shot.

Thanks John

[Stagecoach]

Boab, John and Richard

I visited the location again today (silly hour in the early morning) and found it impossible to get a position to eliminate the smaller craft without the image being compromised by the city lights.

But I was compromised more by the wind this time in that most of the rigging was flapping around and I gave up. Moon and tide are now going against me for further attempts

[IzzieK]

I was thinking the same as Boab but I think you should shoot tighter to eliminate the other boat. Or can you just remove the other one digitally? then go from there about your composition? Just thinking out loud...

[Stagecoach]

I was thinking the same as Boab but I think you should shoot tighter to eliminate the other boat. Or can you just remove the other one digitally? then go from there about your composition? Just thinking out loud...

Thinking out loud is always a good idea Izzie

Revision No 16 ...... your suggestion was not as difficult as I thought it would be

[Mike Buckley]

I don't share your concern about the boat's position relative to the horizon. Indeed, nobody so far shares your concern.

[Stagecoach]

I don't share your concern about the boat's position relative to the horizon. Indeed, nobody so far shares your concern.

I'm pleased with that Mike because it was bugging me. I have had a few comments in the past regarding the horizon line (generally sea for me) and the position of people against it.

[IzzieK]

Interesting transistions, Grahame...