STS-125 Shuttle Launch

[pleb1024]

After many attempts to see a shuttle launch, I finally managed to get to one.

Ignition (Cropped):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/3531730593_b40b148447.jpg?v=0

Liftoff (Cropped):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/3532547692_f41ec2b602.jpg?v=0

Climbing (Full Image:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/3532547674_d96fc86a03.jpg?v=0

I rented a 100-400L for this, so was the first time using the lens (beyond a few practice shots over the previous couple of days).

For those interested in the full shot for Liftoff
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3532547708_53b741c7e9.jpg?v=0

Was shot on my 450D/Xsi at 400mm, and I was located about 2/3 - 3/4 down the nasa causeway - so approx 9 miles from Pad 39A

There was quite a bit of heat haze, as it was approx 100F with relatively high humidity.

Daniel

[jeromego]

very nice shots. i wasnt able to get the tickets yesterday for the jun 13 launched. i was a bit late when i called them around 10, it was already sold out. i guess im gonna have to watch it in titusville or merrit island which is like 11 miles from the launch pad.
are you still in florida? i hope you're enjoying your vacation even with the heat.

[PhotosGuy]

Good series.

[poppie guy]

Congrats on getting to the launch as well as coming away with nice photos!

[inchman254]

Great shots. I've always wanted to get down for a launch. Only myself to blame, I suppose.

I played with one of your shots in Lightroom (no PS on my notebook). It came out pretty good, IMO. With your permission, I'd like to post it (you don't have image editing enabled)

[Desertraptor]

Wish we had lens rental here
Nice set

[xa-coupe]

Wish we had lens rental here
Nice set

We do in Melbourne !

Nice pics, one of my dreams is to go to a shuttle launch .. and photograph it !

[Scout7id]

Nice shots. I love #2. I shot video of a shuttle launch from right outside the control center a couple of times. If any of you have not seen a launch in person, that would be on my list of "must-do" things. It's simply awesome.

[FlyingPhotog]

But you better do it quick... Not many Shuttle launches left!

[pleb1024]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

very nice shots. i wasnt able to get the tickets yesterday for the jun 13 launched. i was a bit late when i called them around 10, it was already sold out. i guess im gonna have to watch it in titusville or merrit island which is like 11 miles from the launch pad.
are you still in florida? i hope you're enjoying your vacation even with the heat.

I know I've told you this in a PM, but will cover here for others as well. It appears that KSC sells a lot of the launch tickets to the commercial tour operators. I picked up my launch ticket (and transport from Orlando) with Gator Tours. I managed to get a launch ticket about 2 months out.

Still in Florida till tomorrow. Currently in Miami area, heading back to Atlanta on Saturday. Went to Everglades today, so have a few hundred photos to sort through.

I played with one of your shots in Lightroom (no PS on my notebook). It came out pretty good, IMO. With your permission, I'd like to post it (you don't have image editing enabled)

Post Away, I'm interested to see what you've done. I very much an editing novice. I only tweaked a couple of things in DPP before posting as I haven't had the time to play with properly.

But you better do it quick... Not many Shuttle launches left!

And hope you have better luck than I did. My journey to see a shuttle launch started in 2005:
2005 - Moved to Atlanta from New Zealand. A couple of days after getting there Columbia is launched (I couldn't get down to Florida in that time). Was expecting to go to the next launch. The Columbia Accident stopped launches for a year
2006 - Job comes up in NZ, plan on moving back to NZ. Shuttle Launch is announced for day I leave country. Sigh.
2007 - 3 Week Holiday in US Booked. Launch moved outside window that I can get time off for.
2008 - 2 Week Holiday in US booked - Non-refundable/transferable tickets. Launch date moved outside the 2 week window 1 day after tickets booked.
2009 - Moved back from NZ to Atlanta - Success - Finally.

In All - well worth the effort - It really is something you have to experience yourself. Certainly gives real meaning to the phrase 'Wall Of Sound'. Wouldn't like to be at the 3 mile viewing point (Nasa/Family only).

Daniel

[jeromego]

Thanks for the comments everyone.



I know I've told you this in a PM, but will cover here for others as well. It appears that KSC sells a lot of the launch tickets to the commercial tour operators. I picked up my launch ticket (and transport from Orlando) with Gator Tours. I managed to get a launch ticket about 2 months out.

Still in Florida till tomorrow. Currently in Miami area, heading back to Atlanta on Saturday. Went to Everglades today, so have a few hundred photos to sort through.

Daniel
cant wait to see those photos either. any nice places you can suggest to shoot in atlanta. ill actually be there for the long memorial weekend.

[pleb1024]

cant wait to see those photos either. any nice places you can suggest to shoot in atlanta. ill actually be there for the long memorial weekend.

As and thou shall recieve - nothing on TV at the motel - so have done some quick processing...http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=694465.

As for Atlanta - nothing springs to mind. I wasn't into photography when I was living there in 05/06. As I only flew into Atlanta last Thursday (and left on Sunday for the launch), haven't had a chance to look around to see whats good.

Daniel

[Woolburr]

Nice looking shots...looks like you had a great vantage point.

[inchman254]

IMO, great shots like this do deserve to be fine tuned. That's why I played around with it a bit.

Here's my attempt. I just tried to get rid of the haze, enhance the flame (both direct and reflected) and add some contrast to the steam. Of course, it isn't the best quality because of the size/resolution of the original, but it gives an idea of the potential.

As I said, I used Lightroom, but I'm sure picasa3 would come close and, of course, PS could really do some neat stuff.
(original on left)

[Jon Foster]

Good captures! I've only seen one shuttle launch in person. Back in the mid 80's. It would be cool to see and photograph another one before they are gone.

Jon.