Light Pollution

[dingzyangz]

First night at Kota Tinggi was a pleasant one. Light pollution is not very much heard of but it means the amount of stray light that is cast onto the sky. In Singapore, light pollution is rather high when compared to rural areas in Malaysia. But compared to New York of those bigger cities, it is considered low.

In this area, even roads have no lamps and population density is very low. I ventured into an adventure camp area. The lamps were all turned off in this area and the only light source was from a nearby toilet behind me.

Blessed with a clear sky and a half crescent moon, I was able to see numerous stars in the sky. This provide a good opportunity to try to capture the Orion Belt of stars.

I included the lamp in the composition to show that this place has low light pollution which allows more stars to be visible to the naked eye. Aesthetically, the lamp might not be an ideal foreground but it definitely mean something to me. The picture here might look nicer but it doesn't really tell a story.

Would appreciate comments on what captured ur attention and what puts u off. Thanks for viewing.

[cheguthamrin]

Please enlighten me on a few things;

1- Is the light from the toilet so strong?
2- Is there any light source from this lamp?
3- I prefer the other picture, this lamppost shouldnt be there since the blue tent would be enough. Or you could have taken it from another angle.
4- the bright patch of grass doesnt seem to go well here.

[dingzyangz]

Hi cheguthamrin,
it was a faint light. but using high iso and long exposure made it looked like it was a strong source. there was no light from the lamp, all the lamps were turned off. Yes, I do agree the green patch is really glaring. Will take note of that in future.

Originally Posted by cheguthamrin Please enlighten me on a few things; 1- Is the light from the toilet so strong? 2- Is there any light source from this lamp? 3- I prefer the other picture, this lamppost shouldnt be there since the blue tent would be enough. Or you could have taken it from another angle. 4- the bright patch of grass doesnt seem to go well here.

[cheguthamrin]

The other pic was I thought better cos there's star trail, the plus a great colour combo, esp the hanging white rope gives more character to the picture; wild imaginations can take you further.

[velasco]

Quote: I included the lamp in the composition to show that this place has low light pollution which allows more stars to be visible to the naked eye. Aesthetically, the lamp might not be an ideal foreground but it definitely mean something to me. The picture here might look nicer but it doesn't really tell a story.

contrary to all this, i prefer the total opposite. so the lamp not on shows that theres no light pollution? i dont get the message trying to be conveyed here and thats important just by looking at it. and yesh, it is really not pleasing for the lampost to be the subject, thats my main problem with this picture.
when its all stargazing and beautiful trails, i dont give much thought bout a story behind it. it has to be aesthetically pleasing.

All in all, I really adore the other photo. that has gotta be one of the better astronomy photos (composition-wise) i have seen in here.

[skazwan]

I prefer the other picture too because like what cheguthamrin had said, it does excite my imagination. It'll be nicer if there is more stars imho.

About the picture posted here, the inclusion of the lamp post doesn't work for me.

=)

[dingzyangz]

thanks guys for the comments and suggestions.

hi velasco, light pollution is everywhere but the amt varies depending on the city lighting that bounce back into the sky. the number of stars visible is very very much lesser if pollution is bad. i will work on the composition again if i have the chance.

hi skazwan, indeed, everyone would love to have more stars but well that wasn't the night. haha. if i chance upon it again, i will defiintely capture it again.

Originally Posted by velasco contrary to all this, i prefer the total opposite. so the lamp not on shows that theres no light pollution? i dont get the message trying to be conveyed here and thats important just by looking at it. and yesh, it is really not pleasing for the lampost to be the subject, thats my main problem with this picture. when its all stargazing and beautiful trails, i dont give much thought bout a story behind it. it has to be aesthetically pleasing. All in all, I really adore the other photo. that has gotta be one of the better astronomy photos (composition-wise) i have seen in here.

Originally Posted by skazwan I prefer the other picture too because like what cheguthamrin had said, it does excite my imagination. It'll be nicer if there is more stars imho. About the picture posted here, the inclusion of the lamp post doesn't work for me. =)