This tutorial describes how to make star trail photos that can be used in time-lapse videos. I go through the process of making a Photoshop action to batch edit star photos and offer a link to those who don’t want to make their own action.
Links mentioned in this video:
I’ve decided to start posting some video tutorials in addition to my written posts because I usually look for videos when I’m looking for help online. I’m going to gradually update some of my more popular posts with videos to augment the existing material. You can subscribe to my new Youtube channel to avoid missing any updates or new tutorials. I made this video in response to a question about the star trails Photoshop action I made and uploaded a couple of years ago. If there are any other topics you’d like me to cover, please send me an email through my contact page.
I’m also looking for ideas on how best to use these videos. Do many people read these posts at work or someplace else where they can’t watch a video? If so, I’ll work to add text tutorials below the videos.
If you use this action, please post a link to your video below. It takes about a day for me to approve each one because of the amount of spam comments I get. Thanks for watching and please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Hey,
I love your blog! I just found out about it but I love taking time lapses. I watched you video on the star streaks and here is my first test. I’ve been shooting stars for a while now and have tons of photos which I’m going to render into videos like this. I’m working on the sequencing but the chaotic number made a cool effect i feel. Thanks for giving me a jumping off point. I learned a lot. Here’s the clip. The second clip which I think you’ll enjoy as well is shot from my iPhone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1fXUM7iG5M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU4SScycQJ4
Never Stop Shooting,
Lazers
Thanks for sharing the videos. What setting did you use for the star trails, long or short?
Have you tried a deshaker filter on the weather video? It might look good with the time-lapse sequences. http://timelapseblog.com/2011/12/19/how-to-use-virtualdub-deshaker/
Hello,
i’ve used your great short trails tutorial here http://youtu.be/JAUoo-5EaOo
Good job. I’m glad the star trails worked for you and I’m a little jealous you spent time in Nepal.
Thank you very much for this wonderful tutorial and PS action. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I especially like the short trails, it gives ppl “the sky is falling” effect. Thanks again. I used your actions for the photos I took in Taiwan to create this video: http://youtu.be/mPLl4lqBSU0
I’m glad you could use it. You have some nice star and milky way shots in that video. I’ll have to check out your website too.
Hi – thanks for the post. I do read these at work, and don’t have access to youtube or any video channels…so if you have text descriptions as well that would be great! thanks for the tutorials…i love this stuff
Thanks for reading. I know some people like to read or can’t watch the videos, so I’ll try to post a transcript until I write a proper tutorial. I get a little lazy on the writing after spending 2-3 days on the video but I’ll work on making my posts more accessible for everyone in the future.
Hi Owen, thanks for the fading star trails action. I’ve just used it for backlit insect trails: http://youtu.be/sXDQE6OaX0A?hd=1
Cool use of the Photoshop action. I would have never thought to try that but it works well.
I used your action script to create a short star trail animation. Will be doing this again to get more than just 1 hours worth of time lapse.
http://youtu.be/bg4EC9I0WZ8
Looks good for just an hour’s worth of movement.