By Jarle Aasland
FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsI get a lot of e-mail and comments in my guestbook about my Hale-Bopp images.
You can find some of the answers here. Last update: August 23, 1997.
Question: Is the sky in Norway really that colorful?
Answer: The sky in Norway is probably no more colorful than anywhere else in the World. One should be aware that photographic film can never reproduce "reality" as seen by the human eye.
When using long shutter speeds and fast films, the camera captures colors and details not visible in real-life.
When taking most of these pictures, the sky looked very dark, with no or few colors. The colors in the final images are caused by several factors, the main one probably being street- and citylights reflected in the sky (often referred to as light-pollution). Another reason is that photographic films cannot reproduce colors "correctly", especially at long exposures.
(Some technical information from Agfa on reciprocity failure).
Comment: These photographs are strikingly beautiful and appealing to the eye, as well as showing magnificent landscapes.
Answer: Contrary to many photographers, I concentrate on photographing the comet as it is seen and will be remembered by most people. In other words, I don't use fancy high-tech tracking devices or do closeup shots of the nucleus. I leave that to the professionals.
Question: What equipment do you use?
Answer: I'm using standard photographic equipment: A Nikon F4, with lenses ranging from 20mm to 300mm. Most of my images are made using a 50mm f/1.8 and a 135mm f/2.8. Of course, I also use a tripod and a cable release.
I also use Nikon's multi-control back, which prints the date and time between the frames on the film. This way, I always know the exact exposure time for all images.
Question: Could you give me some suggestions as to how I could get some presentable images of the comet?
Answer: First, you need a camera with an option for long shutter speeds. Most cameras have a B setting (B for bulb - the shutter stays open for as long as the release is down).
Then you need a tripod and a cable release to avoid motion blur.
Start with a normal 50mm lens. Fixed lenses are better than zoom, because they are normally much faster (i.e. f/2.0 is better than f/4.0).
With a sensitive 400 or 800 ISO film, shutter speeds from 10 to 30 seconds are working very nice with Hale-Bopp, at f/1.8 - 4. However, you should always experiment with exposures to get the best results.
Because of the Earth's rotation, using too long shutter speeds will cause stars (and comet) to appear stretched.
Beware: If you get your prints from a regular lab, they are probably not able to make the most of your negatives. Printing astro-photographs is very different from ordinary holiday-pictures. I develop and scan my own films to avoid any nasty surprises.
(You may find other useful information using the links in the "related resources" listing on the index-page).
Question: Will you sell prints of your images?
Answer: I have no plans for this at the moment. However, prints may be made by request.
Comment: These pictures have got me quite excited. Now I definitely have to drive to the countryside to observe the comet.
Answer: Great! According to some reports, this is the brightest comet since 1811, so you should really use this rare opportunity. This may very well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Question: Are you a freelance photographer, or is this a hobby for you? How long have you been doing this kind of work?
Answer: I have been working as a freelance photographer and at the picture desk at a large newspaper. Now I make my living as a writing journalist. Except for some images of comet Hyakutake last year, these are my first astronomy photographs for many years.
Question: Please tell me how you managed to light up the foreground and still get the comet without over-exposing the picture.
Answer: Most of my pictures, are exposed using only available light. A bright moon is more than enough to lighten foreground objects.
Question: Can I use your images on my own homepage?
Answer: All images on this site are subject to copyright. However, you may use them for non-commercial purposes if you follow these guidelines:
- Only use the original image files found on this site
- Please let me know the URL of your pages
- Include a copyright notice: ©1997 Jarle Aasland
- If you don't mind, please include a link to http://home.sol.no/sajaa/hale-bopp/
You may not redistribute any images in any other way than displaying them on your web-page. At all times, the copyright for any image belongs to the photographer. If you wish to use images from the "Around the World" page, you must contact each individual photographer.
Comment: Greetings to beautiful Norway!
Answer: Thank you very much. (On behalf of the tourist authorities: Come visit us!)
All images ©1997 Jarle Aasland