stunning images Steve...the first one is a great capture...but for the overall impact I have to go with the second one, the contrast between the two images is not a scene you typically see.
Thanks for all the kind words everyone, really appreciate it I hope to have time to mess with the star one a little more, I'll post a revised image if I can get to it (kind of got buried this weekend).
@ lara_ckl - Cool video, not something I would do but more power to 'em. That is the same location, some of the people there said they had seen people paddle boarding the day before, probably the same people.
Thanks for the comments and kind words Morris & Dave!
Morris, I admit I was surprised how well it worked out too. I think it's because throughout the entire 30 second exposure, the light was actually only on for like 6 seconds (it flashes). Also, I exposed a little on the hot side, so I was able to gather a bit more information that I later brought down in post.