WNC Night Sky: Mastering Post-Processing with Looking Glass Rock

Last year, I ventured out into the beautiful landscape of Western North Carolina (WNC) with my camera, eager to capture the wonders of the night sky. This particular shot features the iconic Looking Glass Rock, framed by the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the faint glow of Brevard visible in the distance.

The Challenges of the Night

It was a windy night, which always adds an extra layer of difficulty when trying to capture sharp, detailed images of the stars. The wind can cause vibrations, even with a tripod, and can also lead to unwanted artifacts in long exposures. Despite these challenges, I managed to capture this image using my Nikon D3400 with a Samyang 24mm f/1.4 lens. The final result is a stack of 5 x 2-minute exposures, shot at f/1.4 and ISO 100.

Learning the Art of Post-Processing

I'm still refining my skills in post-processing, and I'm always experimenting to see how I can bring out the best in my raw images. I'm curious if I could have achieved similar quality with shorter exposure times, perhaps around 30 seconds. The goal is always to balance detail, noise reduction, and that magical sense of the vastness of space.

This photo is a testament to the beauty that can be found in our own backyards, and I'm excited to continue my journey in capturing and sharing these celestial views.