Star Trails
Land Between the Lakes 09-06-2013
1963-2013: 50 Years of Service
In June 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated Land Between the Lakes as a National Recreation Area with the vision that LBL would demonstrate how to improve recreation, environmental education, resource management, and restoration and make it all work together for the benefit of the region. That vision lives on today.
For information on calendar of events and or camping visit www.lbl.org
Middle Tennessee Shuterbugs Group
On September 9, 2013 our group met just before dusk and set up on the banks of Lake Barkley for a wonderful night of star trail photography. Our location was on the Tennessee and Kentucky State line. Those who would like to pin point our location by GPS, can look op our coordinates (36'40'30"N87'55'27"W). Our view was amazing as we looked faced the lake with a N/NE perspective. The only draw back was when we used our headlamps, the insects were atrocious.
After we were set and ready to start photographing the stars, we took several test shots to capture the best camera setting, then we set them up for 45 minute time sequence shots. We were all getting hungry so I set up my portable kitchen, a Coleman two burner stove. We grilled up hot dogs and heated up chili, everyone enjoyed their chili dogs. The others were happy that I had camping experience and planned ahead, most only brought light snacks for dinner and the next mornings, breakfast. Once we ate we got back to enjoying the view, which you can only experience in remote areas, far away from man made lights. However, there were two houses on the far side of the lake that gave a nice reflection on the smooth water.
With the night sky in full view, and the Milky Way coming to light in the evening sky, it took me back to when I was in the Navy. I recalled being way out in the middle of the ocean with nothing but the water and stars. The evening sky was perfect, with stars shining bright and not a cloud in the sky. All in all, we had a great night in the wild and we were able to share it among good friends. Our star light photography group, consisted of myself, Scott O'Neil, Brett Engle and Roland Mumford. This was Roland's and my first attempt at photographing star trails but we had the expertise of Scott and Brett, who have taken photographs of many star trails. They gave us great instruction and encouragement, throughout the evening.
Here is my first attempt at star trail photography.
To see more from this trip check out my album with these and other shots from that weekend.
http://www.leesmoot.com/p857930140