It was obvious from the photos i saw that Pan-Starrs wasnt living up to expectations, but i still wanted to shoot it. I figured tomorrow was the best day, lack-of-cloud wise, but since i thought i might get some gap light at the dunes, i combined my aspirations on my token day-off today. Got some great gap light at sunset, dunes pics to follow later this week--but the gap was also big enough to allow the crecent moon to break through some thin high clouds, so i set up on my way back from near star dune and shot a bunch of pics of the moon. My night vision sucks so i was cursing Nasa the whole time since i couldnt see the darn comet, but i knew it was in frame at 200+ mm. A little PS work to boost the highlights, and voila! Pan-STARRS setting behind the dunes. Sweet...my first photo of a comet--i cant wait for November!
Posted by Doug Beezley on March 13, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Stan,
Outstanding. I wish I could do as well actually seeing what I'm shooting. The composition is excellent and brings to mind great shots from science fiction movies - the mood is perfect.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Posted by Tom Kennon on March 13, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Great shot, Stan, My attempt was last night was frustrating, no open space and it was too close to the horizon and too many city lights. The Sand Dunes seems like the perfect spot.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 13, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Looks great, Stan.
I was in the Front Range last night after it looked like the skies were clearing, but by sunset the western skies were hopeless. The forecast for tonight is much better.
Posted by Darren Huski on March 13, 2013 at 2:03 PM
Cool shot. Glad you found the right spot to get a shot.
I commented on Landscape, but I'll still add how excellent a shot I think this is, Stan.
Posted by Grant Collier on March 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM
I like it. Certainly a difficult comet to shoot but this is one of the best I've seen. I got mostly skunked with the clouds and will have to use some artistic license and some photo montages if I want anything worthwhile. But it's good practice for November.
Posted by Scott Fricke on March 21, 2013 at 12:10 AM
Sweet shot Stan, so many great elements coming together here. I've been trying for a week to shoot the comet but haven't had any clear skies (been traveling).
Discussion
10 repliesOutstanding. I wish I could do as well actually seeing what I'm shooting. The composition is excellent and brings to mind great shots from science fiction movies - the mood is perfect.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
I was in the Front Range last night after it looked like the skies were clearing, but by sunset the western skies were hopeless. The forecast for tonight is much better.
Yes, Grant!! Lets hope the predictions will verify...
Andrew