Shetland Star Trails

Star trails are a great way to show Stars in a different way. Often if you are photographing stars you are best to go for a well know constellation other wise people seem to be less impressed

 Star trails are easy to do, providing the conditions are favourable. First you need a clear night with no wind, difficult in Shetland

 The first three photos was taken at ISO800 30 seconds for 60 shots and then combined in a free software program Star trails. There are three different methods to combine photos, my favourite is the comet trails

The bottom image, photographed at Jarlshof in the south mainland is just 10 photos at ISO 800 30 second exposure

Have a great Christmas and don't forget to join Shetland Aurora Hunter on facebook

Jarlshof and stars of the past

Jarlshof is one of the most visited historical sites in Shetland and its good to capture the main building, Lairds House at night especially when the stars are showing

It was a moonless night and fairly dark although the lights from Sumburgh hotel and airport crept over onto Jarlshof and did light the buildings, although still needed some additional light painting.

I first tried a short Star trail then moved round to capture the building with Sumburgh head in the back ground. With the moon I was able to use ISO800 which resulted in less noise.

Its good getting to Jarlshof at night when no one is around, although you have to be careful where you walk otherwise you will fall down one of several large holes and get an alternative view of the stars

At night you have to watch where you are going as there are a lot of very wide deep holes to fall down if you get distracted.

 Looking North

 Looking South towards Sumburgh Head