In my spare time between work and traveling the country shooting I also like to get out and do some astrophotography and landscape photography. I find that being out under the stars overnight or watching the sun rise or set by yourself is some of the most relaxing time you can give yourself. I don't get much sleep on these trips when I take them but they always see to reenergize me.

I was out in the Badlands in February and although the weather didn't cooperate the best for capturing some great night shots I did come back with what is my best sunset photo to date. The final shot was sort of an accident. I was setup waiting for the sun to set when I noticed a storm off in the distance being lit up by the setting sun. I took that shot and once I was done the sunset started to light up the sky so I spun the camera on the tripod a little and captured the setting sun. After I was home and processed the two images I noticed I took them within a minute of each other so I was able to combine them and turn them into the panorama shot below. Ironically I was standing on Panorama Point in the park. Hope you enjoy the shot. Linking from Facebook but I will try and keep the link alive.



Now for the shameless plug I've entered my image in the Black Hills/Badlands Fan Photo of the week which ends Monday morning. Nothing to win but bragging rights, my image used on their Facebook and Twitter accounts for the week.

If you have time take a look at the images I'm up against, find a favorite and give it a vote even if it isn't mine. All you have to do is click on the thumbs up below the image you like. There are some good ones in there this week and the aurora shot that is on top will be hard to beat.

https://www.blackhillsbadlands...S8NtjfBjA9bhJZUhKt3I

Thanks everyone for the kind words and votes. Stay tuned, there will be a karma you will not want to miss!!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: WildSig,

Beautiful Craig! You got my vote!

And I agree about star gazing. It is a most relaxing hobby.

sweet

the one titled 'Battle of the rams' is very good, I voted for yours and that one

Love the shot! You got my vote!

Done. Awesome photo!

Done. +140
It was an easy vote. That's a really good pic.

Very nice. Badlands remind me of Bryce Canyon. I want to go. Dang, especially if I can see the Lights.

Thanks for the link. The cropped version of your photo that appears when scrolling doesn’t do it justice. I tried to be objective and although there were many others that were worth considering, I really believe yours was the most unique and definitely worth my vote.

Added: In trying to decide why I liked yours so much, I decided it was because how it was composed rather than just being a snapshot. Some of the others fit that category as well, but none were as striking. Chance often plays a significant part in getting an exceptional photograph, but as Louis Pasteur is quoted as saying, “Chance favors only the prepared mind.”

I really look forward to getting out there! You got my vote.

Lots of great entries, but I didn’t feel like I was playing SigForum favorites in voting for your shot; it’s stunningly beautiful

I voted for your picture. An easy choice for me!

Voted for yours. I am a Badlands junkie from our numerous visits there. Always topped off with a stop at Wall Drug.

For a substantial portion of my life, I made a living with a camera. A lot of it was cold, soulless medical photography, but then, a lot of it required artistry and an eye for composition.

That image of yours is fantastic. Compositionally, it obeys the Rule of Thirds. The color and texture are beautiful. I would say 'well done', but that doesn't even begin to cover it. After all my years with a camera, when I see a photographer's work and I find myself envious, you have really accomplished something. When it comes to photographic art, I am difficult to impress.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
For a substantial portion of my life, I made a living with a camera. A lot of it was cold, soulless medical photography, but then, a lot of it required artistry and an eye for composition.

That image of yours is fantastic. Compositionally, it obeys the Rule of Thirds. The color and texture are beautiful. I would say 'well done', but that doesn't even begin to cover it. After all my years with a camera, when I see a photographer's work and I find myself envious, you have really accomplished something. When it comes to photographic art, I am difficult to impress.

Thanks Para, I've had a couple of other photographers tell me similar things and it is very humbling. I started with astrophotography 3 years ago and I really like the challenge and I find myself trying new things to challenge me. I also seem to learn something new every time I'm out to use the next time. After I processed this image I new I had something special. Now the quest begins to try and top it.

I really appreciate everyone's votes and comments, there are great shots in this weeks gallery. I'm within 4 of the leader.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
Beautiful Craig! You got my vote!

And I agree about star gazing. It is a most relaxing hobby.

bald1, I completely forgot I was out in your stomping grounds and thanks for your vote.

Here's one I'll share that I'm sure you are familiar with after spending hours behind your telescope setup. This is just a portion of the shot I took of Orions Belt on Christmas Night with my Sony A7R IV, 300mm lens mounted to a star tracker.

This is 60, 1-minute exposures stacked in Starry Sky Stacker and then processed in Photoshop. This was my second attempt at Orion and wanted to take another shot at it but the weather didn't cooperate and I'll have to wait until October to start trying again.

WOW, just WOW!

I didn't see your picture in the link, but yours is top three for sure!

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I didn't see your picture in the link, but yours is top three for sure!

The images come up in no particular order by default. The previews are cropped from the center so it can be missed.

Last time I sorted by votes I was on top. When I first went on the page the image was actually at the bottom.

quote:

Originally posted by WildSig:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I didn't see your picture in the link, but yours is top three for sure!

The images come up in no particular order by default. The previews are cropped from the center so it can be missed.

Last time I sorted by votes I was on top. When I first went on the page the image was actually at the bottom.

Got it now, voted. The cropping messed up my scrolling. Their version doesn't do your pic a drop of justice.

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
Lots of great entries, but I didn’t feel like I was playing SigForum favorites in voting for your shot; it’s stunningly beautiful

My thoughts exactly. That is a fantastic photograph and I had no hesitation voting for it.

As of now (Saturday evening), you are #1 with 183 points, but ‘Dance of the Northern Lights’ is a close 2nd with 171 points.