Making My Own Fun at Night

[Rainforest]

After spending half a day scouting for northern exposures close to home and coming up short I made my own fun in the backyard. This is only the second time I have used the Live Composite feature on my camera for the night sky. It stacks the shots in camera which is very nice indeed. I think I will be using it quite a bit more.
My "fire" is Christmas wrapping and flashlights and I light painted the foreground by switching on the porch light a couple of times.

I forgot to note the exact number of shots and time - and I can't find that info after the shot is completed but it was at least 150 shots, at 15 or 20 sec. exposures for approx. 15 -20 minutes, ISO 1600, f1.8 with my 4/3 17mm.

What do you think? I'm pretty pleased.

[Mike Buckley]

Very creative methods of lighting the scene! More important, the results are stunning. I'm used to seeing photos of star trails with relatively little scenery in the foreground and I especially like this approach where the star trails play a far less dominant role.

[Rainforest]

Very creative methods of lighting the scene! More important, the results are stunning. I'm used to seeing photos of star trails with relatively little scenery in the foreground and I especially like this approach where the star trails play a far less dominant role.

Thanks much Mike. I agree there has to be something interesting there in addition to the sky. The trick is lighting it. I didn't think of the porch light until this third shot. I had to do something - all my flashlights were in the firepit! I think something new is order for that purpose.

[Wavelength]

How you combined the foreground with your main subject is praised in superlative!!! a real classic story!!!

[lovelife65]

This is so incredible! WOW! I hope you've entered into some photo contests

[mknittle]

Thanks much Mike. I agree there has to be something interesting there in addition to the sky. The trick is lighting it. I didn't think of the porch light until this third shot. I had to do something - all my flashlights were in the firepit! I think something new is order for that purpose.

Now that's thinking. Super image Susan. I definitely would hang it on a wall.

[Mike Buckley]

I forgot to mention that choosing a chair that so nicely reflects the "firelight" is such a special touch.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[Stagecoach]

You should be pleased Susan, a very good effort and result.

I see potential here for having someone in the chair

[Chrisclick]

Wow, great work Susan! I feel like I need to hang onto my chair, the planet is spinning so fast!

Your simulated fire looks perfect and I really like the POV through the gap between the trees.

Awesomely creative! Really well done!!

[Rainforest]

Thanks All, you guys are great. I will take your positivity with me and hang out some more with the stars. I got kind of hooked on the Milky Way late last summer but hadn't ever tried star trails.
I probably spent 45 minutes getting that fire just so and am happy it looks real to other eyes. Here's one more with three! shooting stars - the third is very faint. Thanks again for your comments and encouragement.

[purplehaze]

Amazing, Susan. Well done! +1 to what Mike said about the chair.

[bje07]

Amazing, Susan. Well done! +1 to what Mike said about the chair.

+1

[JBW]

all I can do is agree. nicely done.

[Rainforest]

Thanks Janis, Jean and Brian, I appreciate it!

[Spam]

Lovely shot! I viewed the pic in some detail before I looked at your caption, and was gobsmacked to read that the fire was artificial. My second thought was, "Why?". Then I realised that a real fire over that exposure length would have appeared as an amorphous glow, and probably be way to bright.

[Rainforest]

Lovely shot! I viewed the pic in some detail before I looked at your caption, and was gobsmacked to read that the fire was artificial. My second thought was, "Why?". Then I realised that a real fire over that exposure length would have appeared as an amorphous glow, and probably be way to bright.

Thanks Simon. :-) ...a long exposure for a fire sounds like and interesting idea...hum.

[IzzieK]

I am with Grahame…that was the first thing I had wished – your husband sitting on the chair? +1 to Grahame's comments.

[bnnrcn]

Great shots Susan How long did you leave the torch on to lighten the FG ?

[Rainforest]

I am with Grahame…that was the first thing I had wished – your husband sitting on the chair? +1 to Grahame's comments.

That would mean getting him to sit still for 20 minutes!