Pink vapour trail

[Rhanna]

In the sense of the word this is not a good photo. Yet it looks great. But consider this - it was taken after the sun went down! It was taken 'hand held' 600mm tele photo lense, 5.6 under 1/125. I was out trying to capture the rising full moon (which I managed) but prior to this I saw the plane and rushed to snap it.
Rupert

[steve.ledger]

Actually under the conditions, very well done Rupert.
I ramped up the gamma using IrfanView to get a clearer peak (posted here, hope you don't mind). I can't make out exactly what type of aircraft it is (looks like a Boeing of some sort) though the red bubble just under the front may house some imaging equipment ?

[Rhanna]

Steve,
That red bubble was the front light of the plane, it was a passenger plane from Adelaide Airport, probably a Boeing. I suppose given time and hindsight if I had jacked the ASA up to 800 I might have done better. I just wasn't expecting a sight like that.
I did have a bit of a play with it but left it virtually as is except for a bit of a crop.
By the way I did download IrfanView a while ago on your suggestions to another member. It is great for reducing the size. I haven't used it for anything else as yet.
Rupert

[steve.ledger]

Ah yes the light of course, - I was in a more sinister stealth mode

Yes IrfanView is useful for much more than quick resizing.

[Soquili]

I second Steve's comment. Very well done Rupert.

[raynerj1]

Nice shot Rupert!

Of the two, I like your crop better. The colors are richer and the grain less obvious. Sometimes, you have to just grab the shot. The trick is to know just what settings to use and quickly. Sometimes, you get lucky, other times you can set it just right. I guess they call that experience.

Once in a lifetime shots are always luck, no matter how much experience one has.

[steve.ledger]

Actually John I wasn't trying to improve Ruperts photo - just wanting a clearer view (as I mentioned) of the aircraft out of curiosity.
I thought that was obvious
Sorry for any confusion.

[Rhanna]

Steve,
You did the right thing - to show more clearly what the original was about. I'd be the first to admit the original is too dark.
I am actually thinking of having another go at the planes because they are timetabled. Even a fraction more into summer might just give the right light. That's the challenge.
Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated.
Rupert

[ss-kalm]

Under the described circumstances, that is a great picture Rupert.