Photographing Star Trails

[Raymond Lin]

Do this

1 - Focus to infinity, aperture to smallest.
2 - 50 ISO
3 - Tripod
4 - Frame it with some forground like a building, without it you'll have no idea where is up and where is down.
5 - Do not put the moon in the frame - TOO BRIGHT
6 - Use cable release to open shutter, go make a cup of tea and watch a movie.
7 - Come back, if possible, open the to widest for 50 seconds, this will hopfully make the constellation on the photo, any longer you'll start to create another trail that is brighter.

 

[AdWright]

the other night I did a dummy run but in the dark with nothing to focus on, the shutter wouldn't open. What do I need to do, to 'force' the shutter to open?

Shoot in manual mode and manually focus to the hyperfocal distance depending on what focal length/aperture you use.

Also, should I set the lens at 18 or 55mm?

Compose the shot how you want to, although I believe the kit lens' sharpness is best in the middle of the focal range

 

[rich_g85]

Ok, at least I've got the shutter open now! Will report back tomorrow evening if I end up with anything worthwhile!