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Starry, Starry Night...Paint Your Palette Blue and Grey
1st PlaceStarry, Starry Night...Paint Your Palette Blue and Grey
hotpasta


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Night Sky (Advanced Editing VII*)
Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Nikon
Location: Melbourne Australia
Date: May 29, 2008
Aperture: F16
ISO: 200
Shutter: 30 Seconds
Galleries: Cityscape, Panoramic
Date Uploaded: May 29, 2008

The Image: I loved shooting a series of these in my beautiful city. The night was warmish for the end of Autumn. I was in my own little world shooting 30 second exposures. The line in the water is from a light on the font of a canoe as a team went past during the exposure.

The Editing: USM, Levels, Colour Balance, D and B, Noise Ninja...not in that order. I had to go over the stars with the dodge tool to brighten them up. The levels had taken away some of the original shine, but about a 30% dodge bought them back. I know some are going to hate the border, but I love it.

The Prediction: Not sure how well this will do as I am sure there will be many moon, star and out of space shots. But...the "visual impact of your image should be heavily dependent on your depiction of the night sky" which I think this one is. I like the tones.

Perhaps a 6.3??? mainly because the voters will think a little more towards DNMC. But, you never, ever know...

Post: WOW! Finally a red and not a yellow!!! This is a real thrill, thanks for all the comments and the votes and the favourites... I wish there were more stars visible that night, but it wasn't to be

Post, Post: Well there you go! Moved up to a blue. I had so little confidence in this image, but I am so glad it got up. Bad luck about the DQ because that was an amazing image. Mine has been validated by the SC, so I am safe!

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 46
Avg (all users): 7.7175
Avg (commenters): 8.2000
Avg (participants): 7.1154
Avg (non-participants): 7.7594
Views since voting: 17360
Views during voting: 986
Votes: 400
Comments: 109
Favorites: 41 (view)


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AuthorThread
06/17/2008 12:38:28 PM
Way to go Enzo! You continue to capture display the blue tones perfectly.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/16/2008 12:24:57 PM
I love the irony of that title on a photo that could not be less like Van Gogh. Then again, the song was nothing like Van Gogh, either...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/15/2008 08:08:58 PM
Originally posted by kenskid:

Hey...your comments say you captured this photo "at the end of Autumn". Well then I think this photo should be DQ'd because it currently is the "end of spring" and that proves you did not take the photo in the time frame of the Night Sky challenge.

What do you have to say for yourself?

Kenskid
New Orleans, Louisiana

;-)


He lives in Australia. lol i thought that too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/15/2008 09:44:08 AM
Hey...your comments say you captured this photo "at the end of Autumn". Well then I think this photo should be DQ'd because it currently is the "end of spring" and that proves you did not take the photo in the time frame of the Night Sky challenge.

What do you have to say for yourself?

Kenskid
New Orleans, Louisiana

;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/14/2008 04:13:53 PM
Great, great image!
The visual impact of your is indeed heavily dependent on your depiction of the night sky - that's amazing how only a few stars produce this effect. Your postprocessing connecting the buildings to the sky by their brightness and toning is for much in the image's impact.
Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/14/2008 08:45:16 AM
Very, very nice, Enzo. Crisp and clean and sparkling. The title grabs me, too, the lovely Don McClean song for VanGogh. Congrats on your blue, well deserved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/14/2008 05:37:19 AM
Gratz on another blue. Never seen Melb done like that.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 07:50:52 PM
Hey spaghetti man, you've done it again...congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 03:28:48 PM
Gorgeous photo. I love how the city looks like a bunch of ice sculptures - so crisp and clean! Congrats on the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 03:11:01 PM
I know you'll hate getting a blue this way - but congratulations anyway.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 02:10:47 PM
congratulations on the "upgrade" Pasta :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 02:04:25 PM
Wow...i can't belive it. Blue forever, congrats again Enzo (in Italy we say "botta di culo").
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 12:52:41 PM
Congrats on the blue Enzo! While I'd love to see that blue next to mine, this one really is a stunner, well well done and very much deserved!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 12:21:03 PM
congrats on the blue enzo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/13/2008 01:45:36 AM
Congrats Enzo...a beautiful image indeed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/12/2008 08:19:32 PM
Very nice Enzo. Congrats on the RED mate.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/12/2008 05:41:04 PM
You been on a bit of a roll lately dude, congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 08:50:54 PM
one of my favs of the challenge (what can I say I'm a sucker for city skylines:) and a very beautiful & worthy recipient of a ribbon! good for you Enzo!!

ETA: and not a WHINE waa waa in sight hehehe! YAY!!!

Message edited by author 2008-06-11 20:52:24.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 05:44:25 PM
'6.3 & DNMC' .. ARE YOU MAD !!??..:)
this is insanely good .. talk about visual impact ..!!
love the very 'hotpasta' tones ..
CONGRATULATIONS on your red ribbon, an amazingly good score, second place on your profile page and a fantastic image .. !! ..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 02:35:59 PM
Crazy score Enzo! Congrats on the ribbon. That puts you one up on me. Gotta get my act together and try and catch up. Cant let you and Irene run away from me. ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 01:02:58 PM
WTG, Enzo!! I LOVE your blues and greys. 7.7!!! My goodness, this must be the highest red ribbon score ever, congratulations. Btw, I see you're not getting any better at predicting your scores ;-D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:18:29 PM
Congratulations on your Red Ribbon, this is just beautiful. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 11:33:10 AM
Beautiful shot Enzo, congratulations on the ribbon !!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 10:11:21 AM
Congrats, Enzo! I have to admit I wavered on the night sky DNMC, but ended up deciding it was an important part of the image and gave it an 8. I also love the light flare that seems to connect the city to the sky.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 08:44:04 AM
great work Enzo, congratulations on the red.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 08:16:01 AM
Wow you are so consitantly amazing!! Congratulations on your red ribbon with this amazing shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 07:35:01 AM
Stunning shot of my new "home town". Great inspiration for me - I really need to get across the other side of the Yarra one night and try that angle!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 07:03:59 AM
This is beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 06:39:27 AM
Sublime oh talented one! SUBLIME!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 06:06:06 AM
Uhmm...to much ribbons for you. I should crash your camera, bad guy :)
Grande foto Enzo, ciao :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 05:58:27 AM
WOW what an amazing shot!!! This weeks submitions are extra good for some reason!

Great great great shot. Like crystal or glass or something cold. It feels like...a diamond. Awesome shot mate!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 05:48:34 AM
gorgeous stuff Enzo. i am happy that D300 is performing as well as hoped - or is it the photographer?!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 04:37:14 AM
Congrats with your superb image and a well deserved 2nd place in a compedition with so many amazing entries.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 04:28:35 AM
spectacular Enzo well done mate
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 02:22:46 AM
Congrats Enzo. Beautiful shot. Just a bit off on that prediction eh?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 02:14:50 AM
excellent night work, hotpasta... I find night photography the most appealing shoots...

congrats on a fine job and your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 01:49:59 AM
Should have guessed this one was yours, Enzo! Well done on a terific score. It takes a lot to get on your top 5 on your profile page, but you did it :-)

ETA: I forgot to mention you're showing your age a bit with your title ;-)

Message edited by author 2008-06-11 01:53:30.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 01:16:28 AM
Congrats!! suspected this was yours , brilliant shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 01:07:36 AM
A most well-deserved red, wonderful tonality
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:34:10 AM
Congratulations! It was my favorite from the contest.Very funny title :)

Message edited by author 2008-06-11 00:35:06.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:32:22 AM
You again?! I'm tired of you...lol...j/k!! I loved this in voting. You did a great job on this shot! Congrats on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:28:37 AM
Incredible photo...congratulations Enzo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:22:02 AM
Congratulations!!! I 'm one of your 10, waiting to see this image recognized with a ribbon! Bravo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:12:35 AM
Congrats Enzo on the 7.7! That blue tone is fabulous.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:08:43 AM
Not too many 7.7 red ribbons out there. Congrats on this great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:08:06 AM
Wow, hotpasta, this is a very nice photo, enough that I checked to see what type of camera was used and squealed like a little girl when I saw with years of hard work I might be able to do the same. Truly beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:07:46 AM
This is so beautiful....CONGRATULATIONS!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:06:42 AM
Congrats on the ribbon Hotpasta! Love your work and love the city! Awesome!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:06:40 AM
congrats on the ribbon! This is a sweet cityscape, very sharp pic, adding to faves
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:04:41 AM
congrats enzo!! I love it
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/11/2008 12:03:45 AM
I knew this was yours, absolutely phenomenal, really nice work, keep it up man, definitely adding this to faves. Great job with the toning, really love the blue tint, very nice composition as well, congrats on the nice score as well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
06/10/2008 09:55:48 PM
Simply stunning night shot, and luckily some stars to meet the challenge. Incredible contrast and color scheme. I love it. The best non deep space shot in the challenge. =)

ETA: 8 from me, and my choice for 4th
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 08:43:59 PM
Certainly dramatic and excellent -- breathtaking even. It's more about the skyline than the night sky, but I can't quite bring myself to score it lower because of it. An eight for you.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 05:10:12 PM
Would I like to have this one on my wall?? YES....I SHURE WOULD!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 02:26:12 PM
Not sure I care for the border or the lens distortion but, other than that, this is the best of the bunch :-) great work!

Something like this should work really well in the high contrast challenge :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 12:40:33 PM
love the distortion in this pic, really feels like the buildings are slipping into the dark unknown, 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 10:41:23 AM
hmmm..Melbourne?..Pasta's new toning style?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 09:58:07 AM
Incredibly beautiful! Love the cool tones and reflections! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 06:46:01 AM
Not a fan of the skyline shots in this challenge, but how could I not like this one? Yummy, well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2008 01:28:04 AM
I love the perspective and coloring on this shot. top 3 maybe? 9!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/09/2008 05:46:49 PM
This is awesome, I love it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/09/2008 01:41:20 PM
Not sure I like the thick border at the top and bottom but I love the photo. Very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/09/2008 01:32:38 PM
Beautiful! like the title, too!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/09/2008 04:35:23 AM
the processed using blue tone added a nice touch..

although i would like the photo to have more elements (stars..and a full moon).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/08/2008 02:23:53 PM
Wow! Beautiful picture. I LOVE the refelction on the water!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/07/2008 08:47:40 AM
Excellent, great tones!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/07/2008 12:42:21 AM
looks like a diamond lit city... beautiful. i'd love to see the pre-photoshop version.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 11:33:45 PM
nice contrast
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 11:28:56 PM
Wonderful night sky with a super city scape.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 03:31:56 PM
Love the monochrome look to this. Not sure about the thick border though.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 11:21:23 AM
beatiful photo, great angle!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 04:53:43 AM
PERFECT EXPOSURE - 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 02:52:19 AM
Can we say light pollution!! Good image ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/06/2008 02:42:53 AM
wonderful skyline and stunning composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 10:28:47 PM
this has ribbon written all over. absolutely majestic. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 08:58:51 PM
Really good, but would be much better without the huge black line on the bottom.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 08:45:04 PM
That blue is just stunning!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 07:08:30 PM
a beautiful sky line
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 01:48:12 PM
Wonder if this is Hotpasta. Whoever you are, this is a great image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 01:42:13 PM
This is wonderful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 10:49:56 AM
I really like this cityscape. Very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 09:38:11 AM
Good title, very nice image. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 09:22:16 AM
Focus is on the buildings, not the sky.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 07:50:26 AM
Great image, love the cool blue tone too
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 05:28:52 AM
You shold cut the black stripe on teh bottom. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/05/2008 02:14:35 AM
Too many great images in this challenge. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 11:29:30 PM
Very nice, my pic for the Blue Ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 11:11:27 PM
Color combination is good , i hope there were more stars that night
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 09:46:26 PM
Beautiful, thrilling - the bright white against the deep blue/black. The shining lights and the reflections - very good. A bit of a skew would have been helpful - in my opinion - so that the buildings are not all leaning towards the middle.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 08:40:04 PM
fabulous shot. my favorite, 78% of the way through. 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 08:00:12 PM
City dominates.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 06:22:49 PM
The photo is excellent. However, I feel that most of it's excellence is more focused on the buildings rather then the 'Night Sky'. But, I know how that goes as I live in the brightest city in the world and the night sky has all but disappeared. I should give the photo a 9 even though it's really a 9.5. Since there is no 9.5 I'll just round it up to 10. Ok?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 06:01:33 PM
electric!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 04:23:23 PM
Don't understand the crop... i.e. the black line at the bottom. Otherwise great!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 03:47:23 PM
That is visually stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 01:28:43 PM
very sharp~! Would be a nice print.. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 12:25:05 PM
Beautiful! The sky itself is not that special, but together with the skyline it works. And DPCers usually like pictures like this one, so it'll do well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 12:02:50 PM
Nice! Blue and grey indeed. The perspective is interesting. I'm not sure your frame works, though. Assuming you have a wide black bar on top as well, that doesn't hurt, it may in fact add to the vastness, but the bar below is disturbing. A long while I thought it was the shore, and was about to suggest a crop, until I realised that it is far too straight for that.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 10:25:26 AM
great work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 09:21:47 AM
Beautiful shot of the Melbourne skyline at night... and I think I might even recognise the duotones ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 07:51:14 AM
good cityscape, but not enough detail in the sky.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 06:30:26 AM
Wonderful
10 from me
Good luck
Would love to see this win
Kev
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 06:17:04 AM
This must be a top 5, really, really great.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 05:24:18 AM
Grat angle and perspective on this shot, I would have liked to see some more of hte stars come through, but that must be hard to do with all those bright city lights.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 02:35:54 AM
I like the blues and blacks and reflections
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 02:22:59 AM
Beautiful reflection
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 01:55:05 AM
Brilliant , I like the effect & the tones.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 01:27:36 AM
Beautiful duotone image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2008 01:18:50 AM
beautiful. Love the duo toning. I'm not a fan of the wider border at the top and bottom, but that's just a nit-pick.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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