Star trails over the Gorge Lakes as seen from 12,889' on the summit of Mt. Ida, my personal favorite hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. As rut was in the midst, I could hear Elk bugling from far distant in the valleys behind me. \
For this image I had my tripod in place at the end of sunset, just at the start of blue hour. I captured a clean, f/11 iso 64 long exposure for the foreground, and blended in the star trails from later in the night. Unfortunately, the moon was about 3/4 lit, fading some of the stars, but I still managed to capture them pretty decent I think. Thoughts on the exposure and time blend? The Lighting on the peak? Etc.?
I think the blend is very nice and the exposures are excellent. I don't think the composition is world-class, but it's nice. I'm curious about the star reflections in the lakes; was the water surface that flat or did you mirror that in post?
Nice work! I was also wondering about the water. I am guessing it is not real - not that that is a problem. I fiddle with my stuff all the time!! The lighting in this is interesting though. I don't think the glow on the horizon could be seen in the reflection in the lake - it would be behind the mountain. But, then again, there is sunlight of the front of the mountain even though it looks the sun is setting in the background. And a dark cloud shadow on the left background mountain but no clouds in sky. I could be totally off base though.
That said, this is a nice shot. Thumbs up for the effort and for getting to this cool location.