Catherine Hill Bay Jetty and the Milky Way NIGHT Shoot

[piczzilla]

The Catherine Hill Bay Jetty.... is still set to be demolished

Seriously? Ahh what a shame... Hope Sunday night is a good night, otherwise I'll see what I can arrange with my boss.

[Mark Aitkens]

I reckon Sunday night will be fine. But we will have to go the early (6-8pm) as the moon is rising soon thereafter (moon rise is about 9:40pm)

I have just got my Pentax K-1 today. Already used the astro-tracer function to learn the art. Nothing special yet (too much light in suburbia Lambton), but I'm getting ready

[Cage]

Sunday night is at the start of the predicted (?) run of good nights.

I'm going for Tuesday 26th as it is in the middle of the run, and JD will be able to attend.

Let's wait till nearer the end of the week to set a definite date. And I'm definitely going to be there one night, particularly as the jetty seems to be marked for demolition.

[Mark Aitkens]

I will probably make a couple of nights out of it as I will probably crash and burn the first night. So Sunday is probably going to be my first night for experimentation followed by the 'consensus' night, be it Tuesday or whenever everyone decides.

[piczzilla]

Sunday night is at the start of the predicted (?) run of good nights.

I'm going for Tuesday 26th as it is in the middle of the run, and JD will be able to attend.

Let's wait till nearer the end of the week to set a definite date. And I'm definitely going to be there one night, particularly as the jetty seems to be marked for demolition.

Thanks Kev. I'll confirm attendance tomorrow after talking to my boss. The news about the demolition definitely changed things.

[Cage]

I will probably make a couple of nights out of it as I will probably crash and burn the first night. So Sunday is probably going to be my first night for experimentation followed by the 'consensus' night, be it Tuesday or whenever everyone decides.

Mark, I'm a great believer in the KISS principle.


if you adopt the attitude of keeping it as simple as possible (I'm a pretty simple sort of a person) and follow the basic rules, you will walk away with something you will be reasonably pleased with.

The basics are a stable tripod, some sort of a remote release, and your widest lens.

And your new K1 was made for this.

This shoot is all about meeting fellow enthusiasts, swapping ideas, and HAVING FUN.

[Mark Aitkens]

Mark, I'm a great believer in the KISS principle.


if you adopt the attitude of keeping it as simple as possible (I'm a pretty simple sort of a person) and follow the basic rules, you will walk away with something you will be reasonably pleased with.

The basics are a stable tripod, some sort of a remote release, and your widest lens.

And your new K1 was made for this.

This shoot is all about meeting fellow enthusiasts, swapping ideas, and HAVING FUN.

Doh, I'm definitely guilty of being enthusiastic

I am quite keen to get some really good shots using a range of lenses. But I guess you are right. Plenty of time to experiment.

My current excitement is definitely centred on having a brand new FF camera and a swag full of FF lenses to try out. It is like being in the lolly shop all over again, only this time with old friends (lenses I already know but with new personalities).

[JDuding]

The idea of making it a possible two night adventure sounds attractive.

I have been called in for more overtime today, so I will hit up the boss for an early finish Sunday.
Enough brownie points should have been earned by me lately.

So I will know this arvo if i can make a Sunday meet.
The Sunday meet sounds interesting with the early moon rise. Would like to get some shots of that.
But the Tuesday meet sounds like it would be less pressure and not so rushed trying to get the shot before the moon.

So +'s for either, so if I get get to both... awesome.

Here are a couple of snaps of the area off of my mobile.

This is from the middle car park in front of the club house.


This is from the end of the road. Closest location to the Jetty.


To the lower left you can see where with some rock climbing skills, a lower vantage point can be achieved. But probably not recommended for a night shoot activity.

Note: I'll try and post some more shots from other vantage points later on. Need to transfer them off the camera.
Cheers.

[piczzilla]

My wonderful boss just said yes! (and gave me a raise at the same time )

Mark, I’ll be there Sunday night for a trial run, but won’t stay too long because I need to drive back to Sydney. I’ll be back the next afternoon (Monday) to shoot Caves beach at sunset and some other stuff, and will be staying until Wednesday.

Any recommendation on what/where to shoot and where to eat?

Another piece of good news - my remote trigger just arrived today.

[Cage]

Well it looks like you are all OK for Sunday night. Weather depending, it's good for me too.

Stellarium for Sunday night.

Stellarium 24-7-16.JPG

The Photographers Ephermis

Ephermis 24-7-16.JPG

And low tide is 5.19pm so that makes the beach a viable option and one that I prefer, as it offers more flexibility in shooting spots. My intent is to 'anchor' the Milky Way in the ocean and have is rising up over the jetty.

Tides 24-7-16.JPG

All we need now is some co-operation from the weather gods.

PS: If we shoot off the beach it may be an idea to have three 'pads' to put under the tripod feet to stop them slowly sinking in the sand. I'll use some 100mm x 100mm bits of an old fence paling.

[JDuding]

I've been given the ok to leave work a few hours early on Sunday!
pretty stoked.

This will mean I can get to the site in daylight hours and catch up with everyone before heading down to set up the equipment.

Kev, that Stellarium forecast looks like we should have a lot of choice with regards to vantage points.

[Cage]

Yep, looks good.

The grey line (moonrise) on the Ephermis is the one that interests me as it points pretty much due East.

At this stage I'm thinking on the beach, about halfway between the Surf Club and the jetty, although that is only a guesstimate, and it could change dramatically when we get there.

[JDuding]

I am hoping that we can get there with still enough light to each find of our perfect spots.
There is a slight concern I have though. After spending a couple of hours there yesterday and with all the scouting around, I still can't decide where I want to set my camera

Talking of scouting. I thought I'd only taken a few shots from here and there.
just copied them to the computer for some PP and 192 pics.
It's like I'm becoming a real photographer or something.
"Just a few shots" 192!
At this rate, I'll need a new camera soon.

[Cage]

I'm aiming at being at the Catho Hill Bowlo about 4ish.

Time for a couple of relaxing libations before heading down to the beach.

[JDuding]

I'm aiming at being at the Catho Hill Bowlo about 4ish.

Time for a couple of relaxing libations before heading down to the beach.

Sounds good.
I will leave straight from work soon after 3.
Should be able to get there under an hour.

[piczzilla]

Not sure if this is a deal breaker

Untitled.jpg

Monday on the other hand

Untitled1.jpg

It might change closer to the day though.

[Mark Aitkens]

Guys I am really digging the contributions made here. No doubt rain hail or shine, we will be prepared.

[JDuding]

Not sure if this is a deal breaker

Untitled.jpg

Monday on the other hand

Untitled1.jpg

It might change closer to the day though.

After all the overtime I've been doing lately, if Sunday is a no go... don't tell my boss I might still finish early

[Cage]

After all the overtime I've been doing lately, if Sunday is a no go... don't tell my boss I might still finish early

Mate, the more OT, the more moola in the D810 piggy bank.

[Cage]

Hi - just joined the Forum last night and as live in Newcastle am interested in attending when conditions permit.

Welcome to the forum.

And you are more than welcome to come along and meet a few fellow photographers.

Just watch this thread for updates on the date.

The weather forecast changes on a daily (hourly ) basis and this morning Sunday seems the best option. However, this will probably change.

Watch this space !!!