Niki

It was actually all the stars that lost focus… when I changed the battery I must have moved the focus ring (as you warned) so all those shots were sadly not usable… but a super learning (remove live view as that drained my battery in the first place and use some tape as you advised to hold the focus ring even if I handle the camera for what ever reason)

I love the sky’s colour … I need to work on my Lightroom curves usage as it’s so easy going to the extremes and hence make my sky’s look over saturated/ blue! Thank you for sharing these @Mikhail Lukichev … stunning pics and inspiring me to try again and keep practicing … do share your insta details! I am now following @samamaraalso and she has some stunning shots and cannot wait for her to join us … having so many talented photographers keen to share and teach is a privilege!

Nikon D3300 ISO 800 15 Seconds 19mm F/2.8 All of my Nikon shots facing the well were sadly out of focus ... lessons learnt ready for the next trip

iPhone 12Pro Max. Ultra wide 10second exposure (Lightroom edit) Sony RX100 (ISO 1600, 10.4mm, f/1.8, 65 seconds 5 stacked images) (Lightroom edit… will replace if I can improve via PS)

@Frederic @Mikhail Lukichev thank you both for such a super night! @Mikhail Lukichev massive thanks for the tutoring throughout and the patience with those of us like me! apologies all for my super bright red head light!!! I think it maybe one of those over engineered German brands… I’ll stick to dragon mart next time! Sadly most of my shots from the Nikon were out of focus!! 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ I should have used tape! from my tiny Sony rx100 I did get some nice pics so will hit YouTube for a quick Photoshop/Lightroom tutorial and then post what I managed to shoot! was such a fun night and cannot wait for the next session - thinking we make this a monthly event and by the time we hit Milkyway season we may all get some super shots! Eid Mubarak for those celebrating tomorrow and enjoy this wonderful holiday period all!

As we are submitting our homework it seems.. do let me know if I missed anything also (I reduced the brightness of the screen after taking this pic)

Hey Thomas … with mirrorless full frame coming down to the size of an older APS-C like my Nikon D3300 could this be the ideal platform to upgrade to? You and others convinced me to not burn money and enjoy my older camera … it produces great pics… but now I have that itch again! 🤦🏽‍♂️ Especially seeing all the full frame cameras turning up this evening 😂

@Gaurav Soni i have had to leave the drive and i believe you would have been 1st on the new waitlist so feel free to take that spot! am gutted i cannot make my first mid-week drive! have a great time out there all!

@Mikhail Lukichev my Nikon3300 doesn't allow custom kelvin setting for White Balance so I will stick to Auto as the presets they have seem not suited for night photography (Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade). Do let me know if any of the presets are closer to the desired 3200-3500 range? Appreciate these pre-trip setting guidance- thankyou!! I have got hold of a remote trigger that allows for multi-shot programming and have downloaded Sequator ready to play with the stacked image (I have a sub for Photoshop so looking forward to playing with the images we capture) Thank you also @Frederic for choosing a great location for the night (I have read its a Bortle 4 site which is impressive considering we are <1hour from most folks homes!)

@Lorenzo Candelpergher pls do add me to the waitlist thanks

@Wrangeld what a wonderful way to spend a morning! Loved this drive (views, climate, 80s pop hits references). A little more challenging than I remember newbie drives so special kudos to the newbie members within the convoy! special mention to @Watteau … a master class for us intermediates in the CF role and general convoy leadership! Clear, calm, patient and such a great approach to motivate and compliment our newbies as they went through their respective recoveries! I tip my hat as you were an out an out winner of our competition (even with the -3000 points for the baked goods fiasco! Love riding on a convoy with you! @Foxtrot Oscar I have to say, in what was the tightest of competitions, you were a slight winner in the 80s/90s power ballads/soft rock references. By the time I had thought of a line/lyric you lot had already moved on!!! I have a lot to learn and Spotify 80s greatest hits is now my go to playlist for future rides with you! @Wade Pat2 absolutely love your ride! It’s pristine … and I hope your new shocks enjoyed the breaking in I have added (to the gallery ) shots I got from the play areas and a few nice perspectives I could catch. Carnity not only has woken up a hobbyist dune basher but has re-woken a past passion for photography… I tried shutter priority to ensure I could keep up with the movement … a few out of focus but in general I hope the pics captured all of your fine cars enjoying that bowl!! @Gaurav Soni I even caught you with 1 wheel in the air!! There were some 💙 cars in our convoy today! thank you all that made this such a fun and enjoyable trip! See you soon!