Adding sunstars

[LongLensPhotography]

I have several photos that just didn't materialize exactly how I intended - the sunstars did not come out for whatever reason - particularly difficult with the Moon

I have several like this - so what is the best / realistic-looking way to get it done in Photoshop?

edit now sorted

Cretan Moonscape

 

[swanseamale47]

Search the net for sparkle brushes (theres loads of free ones about) and just bung it in after

 

[Chappers]

You could try using a very small aperture in the camera, around f16 -22. I've used this technique several times. However you may need a tripod depending on the subject and time of day

 

[snapy]

You could also have a play around with the lens flare effect in Photoshop, lots of different flares in there.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

You could try using a very small aperture in the camera, around f16 -22. I've used this technique several times. However you may need a tripod depending on the subject and time of day

Yep, that's the plan, but somehow, the Moon just fails to give sunstars - and exposures are into 5-10+min at those apertures at night!

I'll try the brushes tonight

It also seems to be very lens dependent - the two above are from Tokina 12-24mm which typically makes the best stars, 17-40 is very similar, 50/1.4 - octagonal but nice and sharp stars, 24-70 L - somewhat diffuse, and flarey 'cheapo' stars, 70-200 f4 non-is - wonderful lens but totally rubbish even non-existent stars

 

[Martyn]

Stars are dependent on aperture blades aren't they? I know my 50mm gives a mega, ten-pointed star with long exposures/small apertures. Out of focus, high aperture shots show lights as pentagons (rather than the desired circles) so I've always assumed the two are related (five points to a pentagon equals ten points on the stars), though I could be completely wrong!

You can get star filters, by the way.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Search the net for sparkle brushes (theres loads of free ones about) and just bung it in after

thanks, it is sorted now. The brushes required duplicating and a little rotation to make them look a bit more natural, then 'screen' blending and some blur.