The “Night Party” is generally held twice a week and includes various lectures, demonstrations and observing the stars and planet through various telescopes at the observatory. The storm in the photo that I presented on Friday had settled over all of Texas, so we did not get to look through the telescopes. Still, the “Night Party” was well worth the admission fee. JD and I both really enjoyed all the demonstrations.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood, we strongly recommend that you visit the Davis Mountains, Fort Hood and, of course, the McDonald Observatory.
Even though this shot looks like it, the photo is not a HDR. I used nik Color Efex Pro tonal contrast filters to add contrast both to the buildings and the sky. I used a heavy hand with the filter because I wanted the photo to have a surreal look to it.
Because of the storm, I did not take any photos from Fort Davis to Houston. I think this is a record for me!
Enjoy.
Camera settings: Nikon D3, 17-35mm f/2.8 at 17mm, shot at ISO 200, f/16 and 1/20th of a second.
Post Processing:
Lightroom: Set white and black points, added mid-tone contrast, clarity and vibrance, de-saturated most of the colors.
Photoshop: Used nik Color Efex Pro tonal contrast filter twice—once on the sky and then on the buildings to give different levels of local contrast within the highlights, mid-tones and shadows.
We stopped at McDonald on a day trip from Lajitas to Balmoreah [sp] as an afterthought and really enjoyed it. It's a fascination place, we took a tour but could hang for the night party. The amateur astronomers set up at the RV Park at the base of the mountain are something to see as well.
ReplyDeleteNice shot.
The contrast between the sky and the building is what makes this photo, soft/hard and grey/gold. Nice job seeing, capturing and processing this one.
ReplyDeleteThe Professor
I like the unusual perspective that you a achieved by using a wide angle lens and your relative position to the building. It takes what could be an ordinary shot and gives it a little attitude.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Not very interesting pix. I see what Anne says, however, its a pix of a building with grey skies.
ReplyDeleteCharles M
Love the contrast Larry. That's what makes it special along with the unique structure of the observatory dome.
ReplyDeleteDHaass