It's all about perspective, the other day I've asked question on one astrophotography discord channel, explaining that I am not using start tracker as my choice to learn more about subject. As a result along with quite encouraging comments and advises I've received bit of criticism pointing that there is nothing I could learn without tracker other than planning session. My answer knowledge is limitless it's person who put themselves into fixed mindset and refuses to see that knowledge.
I have been thinking about optimizing my setup for astrophotography, the main issue is that I have to carry an A4 light tracing tablet which I use for flat frames. After a bit of creative thinking I have thought about using my e-ink Kindle for the same purpose, by just uploading an empty PDF and opening it when it's time to take flats. In mean time while I take light frames I can read some books as well:)
Instead of night sky pictures I got punctures in 2 tires on my way to that park, so I spent several hours on the phone with insurance arranging towing and taking care of my car and myself.
Totals of that session: Broken tripod, just few light of first target, no shots of moon or other 2 targets I had in mind. Even though it might look as a failure it wasn't, first of all I've never expected to come out with some usable shots there, it's a full moon after all it's so bright you can see outside, so I got my experimentation done and I am happy with it. Also I've discovered astrophotography mode on a Pixel smartphone, can't resist I took self portrait. #astropic 2/2
I went camping last weekend, state park was Bortle class 4 however it's a full moon weekend. So me being me, always experimenting, I thought to myself let me take my gear out there and see how Bortle 4 + full moon stacks up against Bortle 7. However things didn't go as planned after kids had a blast viewing full moon and Jupiter in binoculars my tripod broke, then I started shooting and clouds rolled in leaving me with just 150 lights of my first target. 1/2
Apparently according to lightpollution.info it was class 7 which is worse for taking pictures.
Results of last night: Andromeda Galaxy and Pelican Nebula. Shot with camera, tripod and 50mm lens in light pollution class 6. #astropic
My attempt to take flats had failed miserably, so here is my attempt to take Milky Way core with a kit lens and no flats. Picture is imperfect, but I am learning. #astropic
Second attempt, trying to capture Milky Way core, unfortunately it's visible towards South and so is Dallas, thus light pollution getting in a way, I think I am on the right track. #astropic
Я проснулся от грохота сковородок, первая мысль ну что там ещё, спустился вниз и обнаружил оладушки, которые дети приготовили, самостоятельно без родителей. Класс! Завтрак перед работой и его не надо было готовить. Горжусь этими малышами. I woke up from the loud sounds in the kitchen, I walked downstairs and found kids who made pancakes for breakfast, this is just awesome proud of my little ones.
Duct tape is truly universal and very versatile tool. Formula 1 car with broken spoiler had been fixed by duct tape and was able to actually finish remaining 12 laps. Even though FIA may not appreciate that one.