Lowther Hill Night Shot

[thecraig]

So the other day I posted a thread called "Roadside Landscapes" where I posted a couple shots of the Lowther Hills in southern Scotland (The thread can be viewed Roadside Landscapes) on a road trip to find some decent dark sky for a potential attempt at startrails. I did find a private road that led to the top of one of the hills (Also named Lowther Hill) which has an Air Traffic control radar dome at the summit. (Click https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.38...!3m1!1e3?hl=en to view on Google maps)

The gods of weather were smiling on me when the next night, the rain stopped, the skies cleared and I decided to embark on the long trek up the hill. I had made sure my memory cards were empty, battery was full and spares were packed. Even packed a bag of wine gums and a flask of tea (Essentails IMO ). So I set off. However, as I reached the summit, my good fortune left me. The wind had picked up to a ferocious gale which rendered any possibility of a long exposure shot dead. Also, to agency responsible for the site had floodlighting everywhere, again scuppering any chance that I may have of incorporating the Raydom into my shot. All in all, a miserable and frustrating evening, not to mention exhausting as the 2 miles up and back down took me an hour and a bit each way. However, once I got home (and warmed up ) I did find three shots and I'd like to share them.

#1


#2


#3


All three shots taken using my Nikon D3200 and 18mm - 55mm lens
18mm/15sec/f3.5/ISO1600

Any feedback is appreciated. I just wanted to share my story as it made me aware of the limitations of me and my equipment. So I have an eye of a new lens I wish to buy but more significantly, I have thought about what I want to change about how I prepare and take photos. From before I leave the house to arrive at the location and taking the shot. So, even though I never took many photos, on this occasion I've learned a lot more.

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[IzzieK]

I love the composition of #3. Imagine what you can do with an 18-55mm... I am quite surprised though in my research before going to Florida for the same reason (and of course the BIF training), I was told that the 70-300 is not shabby at all despite the price. Just that I came home without any shot at all because of the weather condition.

[John 2]

Nice set Craig but I like the dynamic the perspective gives No.3.

[thegman]

Very nice set Craig, #3 is the best for me, the light on the radome just gives it that little bit more effect.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice series

[thecraig]

Thanks guys. I was using this thread as a kind of therapy after what was a fairly miserable and disheartening night. I am happy that I got some some usable shots, although I have a nights where I've end up with nothing too Izzie.

The radome was a nuisance to edit in PP as it was bathed in light and required a lot of care to make sure it looked natural.

John and Gerry, the site is fairly close to you too. Just leave early, it's a fair hike

[Loose Canon]

Hi Craig!

I can certainly relate to the frustration you have described!

The way I always look at it is that I’ve never been sorry I went. Even if I didn’t get what I want, I always get something out of it. If just the experience of just getting out there!

The only time I’ve ever been sorry is if I didn’t go! I typically sit around wishing I had!

Well, so much for that Happy Theory!

Do you think these might benefit from some perspective correction?

[thecraig]

Totally agree Terry. At least I can say I went for a late night hill climb rather than sitting on my rear end (an equally satisfying pastime too )

I did try correcting the vertical (correct terminology?!?) using the radome as my guide but at that point there were many other vertical elements (I was sat in the middle of a road and had the roadside marker poles in my shot, some of which were askew) that I eventually cloned out but never revisited the perspective aspect.

[ST1]

Good set Craig, well done for taking the time and effort to do the trek up the hill and get some images even if they weren't really what you had hoped for. I'm with Terry (#8) wrt the leaning towers etc.

[thecraig]

Thanks chaps. I've straightened up the radome shot. However, I'm struggling to upload the photo atm but I'll try again later today.

[BrianA61]

Really like the 3rd image. That radome looks like a giant golf ball teed up and ready to drive the green.