Star Trail Photography On Location - Natchez Trace Bridge

Five years ago I shot a star trail photo of the Natchez Trace Bridge near Nashville Tennessee. It was bad. So, I made it a goal to re-visit that location again to shoot more star trail photography. In this landscape photography vlog, you will come with me as I go shoot star trail photography on location at the Natchez Trace Bridge to try and redeem myself from the last time I tried star trail photography there. Spoiler alert... the cops came to see me!
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[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Have you ever gotten questioned by the police while shooting night photos? This was a total first for me!

[@JohnMichnowicz]

David, I had a similar experience in January. I was setting up to take time-lapse images of Orion when a CA State Park ranger questioned me about being in the park after dark. He called a supervisor to get permission for me to stay in the park. He then asked to see my photo gear and parking permit. All ended well and I now have a similar story to tell fellow photographers.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Haha rules are rules I guess. I mean I get it, they have protocols and guidelines they have to follow but at the same time I’ve always wondered why parks are closed at night.

[@jimhamilton8775]

Great video David.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Thanks Jim! Thanks so much for watching!

[@joshualepik]

Great video. How do you get that infinity focus? I try these all the time but shooting at night I obviously can’t auto focus and when I shoot in manual I can never seem to get sharp photos

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

I always recommend testing your lens infinity focus during the day before it gets dark. Focus on something very small in the distance to simulate a star. When you find your infinity focus, mark it or tape your focal ring down so you know exactly where it is! Usually lenses will have an infinity logo on them of where it is but it’s not always spot on. Every lens is slightly different. Hope that helps!

[@joshualepik]

Thanks so much. After I posted that I watched a bunch more videos and found one where you explain this. Great channel, and great content.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Great! Glad you found it!

[@leef3167]

Great video. I understand the 500 rule, but how do you figure out how images to take? Thanks a lot.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Honestly I just know from trial and error. I typically shoot 30 second exposures for one hour and that’s good. I’m bad at math 🤣

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

You bet