As per the requests of mmok and mboyden, here is the (cropped) view of a standard issue sunset off to the left of my balcony here in Midland. Thunderstorm sunsets are breathtaking. One of these days, I will post a photo of the view of the outside my window in Chicago for comparison.
Midland Sunset
Nikon d40, 55mm, f/5.6, 1/60s, ISO1600, as shot
(don’t ask me why I was shooting in 1600. I don’t know.)
I also tried my hand at some astrophotography off my balcony last night (something that is nigh-impossible to do in Chicago). Fun diversion for a night, but I don’t think it’ll become a full-time hobby without a real tripod and a field. Plus I don’t need yet-another-excuse to deprive myself of sleep. Nikon d40, 35mm/f1.8, 10-30s exposures, Lightroom adjusted (enhanced blacks)
The Big Dipper (outlined)
The wee-bitty Dipper (outlined)
Cygnus the Swan (outlined)
(or at least the Great Northern Cross part of her)
The Milky Way (outlined)
(sort of. It’s hard to pick up on the photo.)
Midland: Not nearly as exciting as Chicago, but there’s something to be said about clear-ish skies (there’s still a decent amount of light pollution here) and good farmer’s markets. Speaking of which, anyone have a good recipe for fresh shelled sweet peas?
