TLC

Back to my home page
Back to Astrophotography
Email me at WebSDB@gmail.com

TLC

Subject: Moon, Trees, Clouds
Date: May 21, 1999
Time: ~9:30pm
Location: Provo, UT
Lens: 50mm + Macro
F-stop: 1.7
Exposure time: 5s
Filters: none
Film: Kodak Max
ISO/ASA: 800

About the Title: This is simply an acronym for "Trees, Luna, Clouds" -- the main constituents of this photograph. (See Arborluna for more explanation about Luna.)

When taking pictures of the stars, three things that can be a nuisance are clouds, the moon, and trees. That is, if stars are the only things you want in the picture. Trees can make a photograph seem less plain, and I often use them to "frame" a picture, but sometimes they are just in the way. Clouds can add character to an astrophotograph, but only if they are not covering your subject -- which can be difficult to determine at night. Thin clouds can be invisible to the naked eye, but show up in the photo. And the moon, if it is not your subject, can make the stars dimmer. But each of these elements can also be used to form a pleasing photograph. With a little "tender, loving care" I was able to bring the three together in this one. See also Silver Lining.