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Forum: General Photography 03-01-2017, 06:26 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
Cute! I wonder who knits the characters...

The Science Channel recently had a program called "The Dark Side of the Sun". It has eclipse footage which was really cool to watch.

There is lots of great information about eclipse photography. I was able to get the Mr. Eclipse photography webinar for half price from Sky and Telescope. My one issue with any of the photography classes I've taken online is that they're mostly geared to Canon and Nikon. Pentax has a lot of similarities, but there are just enough differences that I've had some difficulty locating the info I want in the owner's manual. So I'm on this forum to learn speaking Pentax. Of course, a pair of glasses to read the manual would help too. For a while now, I've been finding myself holding things at arms length to read it. Doesn't help much with fine print.
Forum: General Photography 02-28-2017, 06:19 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
Under normal circumstances this eclipse probably wouldn't be something we would travel for either. But we own a travel trailer and have family in the upper midwest states. We'll already be in the general area where we want to watch the eclipse. As far as the weather goes, fingers crossed. Usually, the Great Plains don't get as many thunderstorms/cloudy weather later in the summer, especially when you're further west. But it usually makes an exception for the huge Sturgis motorcycle rally held in the Black Hills of South Dakota earlier in August.

I did get to visit the one dedicated camera store we have in the area and found a tripod I like very much. I have been shopping for used telephoto primes, but haven't found something I'm willing to purchase, yet. After looking at new lenses, I think I would rather spend that money on a couple of travel-size telescopes instead. They would allow me to do both observation and photography. Just seems like a better way to get more bang for the bucks. Hopefully, I will be able to attend an astronomy club meeting soon. There are at least 2 groups here. I'm sure they can give me plenty of info, plus there is the added benefit of trying out equipment at a star party.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 02-17-2017, 05:52 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
Believe it or not there are actually astronomy clubs in the Greater Houston area. One of them is having their monthly meeting next week and the guest speaker is a professional photographer. Next weekend we're traveling to the San Angelo area, so I'll attend if I have my travel prep done in time. I was impressed to discover they actually have some dark sky locations in a neighboring county, and The Houston Museum of Natural Science has the George Observatory.

Texas Parks and Wildlife has a program for Dark Skies certification. They're working to certify parks across the state and have extended the program to populated areas to help decrease light pollution.
Forum: General Photography 02-06-2017, 06:12 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
Hi, AnnaJo. Are you planning to see the total eclipse? Even if you're not able to travel to an area where the path crosses, the majority of the lower 48 United States will be able to see a partial. I found an article listing many of the major cities and what percentage of the eclipse will be visible in those areas. I'll find it again and post here later.

Never say "never". Of course you have a chance. If you only want photos where the sun and moon fill the photograph, you do need to invest in some equipment. What ever you do, don't be skimpy on a tripod. On my introductory thread, InterestedObserver gave me lots of good info. You might also find the SkyWatch 2017 issue produced by Sky and Telescope helpful. Just got my copy this weekend. It has articles about using spotting scopes for planet/stargazing and travel size telescopes. It also has star maps for each month of the year and an eclipse article. The link I provided above for eclipse glasses has a photography article and links to the web pages of some eclipse photographers. One of them has plenty of info about using other cameras, like point and shoot. You may not get a super closeup of the eclise, but photos showing the effects on surrounding landscapes can be equally as interesting. Just make sure to follow all recommended precautions for yourself and equipment, practice as much as you can before the event and make sure a built-in flash is turned off and covered up.
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-04-2017, 07:04 AM  
American solar eclipse 2017
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 34
Views: 5,022
Any comments I've made concerning travel in NE have been based on our personal experiences. We travel from the Houston, TX area to the upper midwest and encounter a lot of semis, especially between Houston - Dallas and I-80. There may be federal regulations concerning the speed of trucks, but truckers who aren't driving 75 miles an hour might be going a bit slower for fuel consumption and tire wear. Just keep a close eye on them and be prepared to slow down if one pulls into the left lane. The August eclipse also occurs at a time of year when lots of people are traveling. Cross winds and gusts are not friendly to anyone driving a high profile vehicle or towing a trailer. That will include motorhomes and travel trailers too. We don't always travel the 75 speed limit when towing our trailer. It depends on conditions. High winds, wet roads and poor visibility definitely slow us down.

If you can be in the location where you want to watch the eclipse a few days ahead of time, you're probably better off. There will also large crowds of people in areas that don't normally have that many. It may not be that simple to relocate to another area if weather doesn't cooperate. So just be prepared to make the best of things, and maybe have an elcipse party where you're at, even it it doesn't work out.
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-02-2017, 12:37 PM  
American solar eclipse 2017
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 34
Views: 5,022
I think the moral of the story here is to take any info you find on the internet about how long it takes to reach a destination and add at least an hour. It also occured to me that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally might be close enough to the eclipse that a few bikers might stay in the region to view it. Or see it somewhere on the way home. Couldn't hurt to keep an eye out for them too.

For those who don't make regular use of sunglasses, while they aren't suitable for the eclipse, you will appreciate having them in the midwest for driving and any time you spend outdoors. Wrap around styles will also help protect your eyes from the wind as well.
Forum: General Photography 02-02-2017, 06:28 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
I've already purchased 15 pairs eclipse glasses from this site . Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Path Through the United States

They have them for the best price I've seen so far, and 15 pairs is the maximum you can get with free shipping. We may not need that many pairs, but I ordered them any way. If someone shows up where we're staying not quite prepared, I can share my extras.

Other than my camera equipment, other devices we may be using won't be used to record the eclipse itself.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 02-02-2017, 06:19 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
My husband has been doing extensive research on solar for our travel trailer. When I mentioned having enough battery capacity for this event, it caught his interest. If he comes up with a means to power my stuff with larger batteries, I'll start another thread.
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-02-2017, 06:02 AM  
American solar eclipse 2017
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 34
Views: 5,022
Anyone traveling on I-80 will also have to keep a sharp eye on the semi trucks. It's major travel route for long-haul truckers from east to west coast. Sometimes it's not much better than rush hour traffic, and the trucks travel at 65 miles an hour. (10 miles under speed limit). That doesn't keep them from passing one of their buddies who is doing 63. That gets really annoying once you're halfway between Kearney and Sidney, where the hills start getting pretty big. Also, I can't think of a trip thru NE where some section of an interstate wasn't under construction.

Can confirm you have to watch for the deer. We took Hwy. 2 (need to double check number is correct) from Grand Island thru the Sand Hills. The towns disappear after a bit. You'll see nothing but train tracks and hills until Valentine. No farm or ranch houses close to the highway. 3 deer hopped out in front of us & we were still more than an hour from Valentine. Got lucky and missed them by that much.

Also in small towns a convenience store is not guaranteed. Look for Cenex at the farmers' coop for gas. Ability to find gas easily is another reason not to speed in the midwest. The wind is rarely behind you and those big hills suck it up fast.

For those who need protective eyewear for the eclipse this site has them for the most reasonable price I've seen so far. There is also some photography info and links to other sites.
Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Path Through the United States
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-01-2017, 06:50 AM  
American solar eclipse 2017
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 34
Views: 5,022
For those planning to photograph the elcipse on the Great Plains, you have to take the wind into account when setting up your equipment. It may die down at night, but very rare not to have a windy day and gusts can be down right mean. NW Nebraska is very hilly and if it's not interstate, mostly 2 lane roads. Keep a sharp eye out for farm equipment. Maybe not so much on Eclipse day, but if there is work to be done, the farmers and ranchers won't care if there are lots of tourists in the area. Cell phone service in that region is spotty at best. What ever you do, don't speed from one location to another. Nebraska State Patrol loves nothing better than out of state speeders.

I spoke to Nebraska's state park reservation system. Their reserved spots are full, but they only take reservations for half of the sites in any given locations. Some recreation areas don't do reservations at all. What's not reserved is first come first serve.
Forum: General Photography 02-01-2017, 06:30 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
GoPros are certainly more affordable than drones with high quality video. With drones, you also have to be more considerate of others watching the event. A drone would have to be positioned where the noise doesn't bother others. For now, we're concentrating on getting the equipment I've been wanting for a while, then will see what's left in the budget. Otherwise, if our younger daughter is able to join us, we can always pop her up on the roof of our Nissan NV 3500 to make a cell phone video.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 02-01-2017, 06:19 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
My first pick as a location for eclipse watching is in an area that has some respectable hills. We'll already be in the general area, so I would like to get there at least a week before to get set up and practice some more. Our tow vehicle, a Nissan NV 3500 is certainly large enough to block the wind. But I would have to position very carefully to make sure the camera can see over the van. Maybe over the hood...

Practicing is one reason I'm trying to find my equipment. I do have an old Vivitar lens on my camera right now that was on my husband's K-1000. Was pretty darn proud of myself for getting the camera into manual mode. Now I just need figure out the other settings to make the lens work for me. I'm enrolled in some classes that do have useful info on manual photography. They're just geared mostly for Nikon & Cannon. I need to add eye glasses to my list of equipment, because small print and my middle aged eyes are no longer on speaking terms. Makes reading the owner's manual a bit annoying.
Forum: General Photography 01-31-2017, 07:04 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
The main goal for us is just seeing the total eclipse. If I succeed in getting photos, that's just gravy on the mashed potatoes. (There is always the 2024 eclipse crossing my home state.)

I have been shopping for equipment in between other projects. On some things, like lenses, I do have a wish list. The one exception there is a telephoto. Haven't narrowed that one down yet. Looked at new Pentax telephoto and got sticker shock. Used lenses in good condition are actually prefered right now and one of the reasons I chose Pentax in the first place. The tripod is the other item that's been giving me fits. It might not always be used for astrophotography, so the ones with motorized heads included, while interesting, might be too much of a one trick pony.

---------- Post added 01-31-17 at 08:12 AM ----------

By the way, MikeSF, I do like your photos.

On all the eclipse reading I've done, I have noticed the shadow was mentioned. We're looking at staying in an area where large crowds aren't too likely. My husband really wants a drone. Thinking he might get the job of making an eclipse video. But I'm sure that would be a discussion on a different kind of forum.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 01-31-2017, 06:31 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
As a print graphic designer, I certainly could have found "automagic" useful when dealing with clients who made me want to pull out hair. Not neccesarily mine. "It''s automagic and you'll just have to trust me." If I need to return to the field will keep that one handy.

In between other projects, I have been shopping. So I have seen a variety of prices on all kinds of equipment. Have no problem buying used equipment. It's actually one of the reasons I bought the Pentax k-mount camera. I liked the possibility of being able to use older lenses for manual focus to keep costs down a bit. Also figured I'd be less likely to cry over a used lens if I accidentally drop it.

When online shopping, I'll just have to make use of the chat feature with customer service to narrow down my choices on tripods. Will be reading the customer satisfaction guarantees closely, as well. May as well start haunting the forum marketplace, too.
Forum: General Photography 01-30-2017, 07:53 AM  
Has anyone photographed a total solar eclipse?
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 20
Views: 2,509
I'm planning to observe the total eclipse crossing the US in August and would like to attempt photographing it. I'm in the process of shopping for equipment compatible with my K3-II, not only for the eclipse, but also for astrophotography/landscapes etc. Since the eclipse is about 7 months away, right now I'm concentrating on a tripod, telephoto lens or telescope (reserching those on Sky and Telescope), and appropriate filters to protect my equipment before and after totality.

Interested-observer gave me detailed info for tripods on my intro thread. But I would like to hear from people about what they like and don't like about their tripods.

I know it might be a bit late in the game to plan for this event. In my defense, my husband and I have been involved in renovating a 1979 Airstream. It's been a two-year process and now that we're wrapping it up, I've had time to look at what's happening in the great wide world and start looking at photo equipment. (Photography opportunities was actually one of the reasons we got the trailer in the first place.)
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 01-30-2017, 07:23 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
Wow! Thank you, interested-observer, for the detailed info on tripods. Nice to have it in one place. From some online classes and other internet research, I had a basic idea what I was looking for but sorting out fact from personal prefernce has been frustrating, not to mention there really wasn't this much information. Think I'll copy your reply into a printable document and take it with me while shopping. This is an item I would prefer to shop for in brick/mortor so I can tinker with various models. Since some of my photography adventures will involve the heart of darkness and cold fingers, don't want anything too complicated or stubborn. Houston Camera Exchange is the only photography-centric store in the area. They're more than 20 miles from us and close to downtown to boot. I'm hoping they have a good selection of tripods, otherwise not sure where else to look locally. Big box stores are worthless for this kind of stuff.

By the way, I like the word "automagically".
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 01-29-2017, 11:19 AM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
Thanks for greetings and provided links. Right now I have a very specific goal, which is the total solar eclipse in August. Already been doing a lot of reading on that elsewhere. I have a wish list of primes for astrophotography and have been doing some reading on lunar photos. Telephoto lenses generally are recommended for lunar photos and some photo articles I've read recommend the same for the eclispe. My issue is educating myself on equipment, namely a suitable tripod and alternatives to a large telephoto. I'm looking at boondocking or staying in a really small campground in SE Wyoming or NW Nebraska. The wind can be terrible there with some nasty gusts. I don't want to go to all the trouble of practicing for this event and taking the time to set up, only to have the wind blow it over in less than one minute. Is anyone discussing the eclipse?
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 01-28-2017, 02:46 PM  
Hoping to find Astro-nuts and Solar Eclipse veterans
Posted By KrisRae
Replies: 21
Views: 1,865
Greetings fellow Pentaxians!

I'm a relatively new Pentax owner. I've had my K3-II for a little over a year now. I was looking for a sturdy, weather sealed camera to travel with. The built-in GPS and astrotracer tipped my decision in favor of Pentax (along with reasonable price). While interested in a variety of subjects, my primary interest in photography is starry night skies and astronomical events. I would appreciate being directed to threads concerning tripods, lenses, filters etc.

Thank you
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