Boot Arch & the Milky Way: A Celestial Encounter

This past weekend, I found myself in the rugged and iconic Alabama Hills, drawn to one of its most distinctive natural sculptures: Boot Arch. As the name suggests, the opening in this geological marvel truly resembles a boot, and under the vast expanse of the night sky, it offered a spectacular canvas for some astrophotography.

I had the pleasure of connecting with a fellow photographer, and we spent the majority of the night immersed in the pursuit of capturing the cosmos. The skies were absolutely incredible, offering unparalleled clarity and darkness.

This particular frame stands out as one of my favorites from the session. It captures the essence of the experience: me, a small silhouette against the immense beauty of the rising Milky Way, with Boot Arch providing a unique foreground element. Nights like these, filled with shared passion and a connection to the universe, are truly what it's all about.

For those interested in the technical details behind this shot, here's a glimpse into the gear and settings used:

Capture Details

• Location: Alabama Hills

• Gear:

  • Sony A7iii (astro-modified)
  • Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
  • Sky Watcher Star Adventurer

• Sky (tracked):

  • 10 x 60 second exposures
  • f/2.0
  • ISO 640

• Hydrogen Alpha:

  • 10 x 60 second exposures
  • f/1.4
  • ISO 3200

• Foreground (Blue Hour Blend):

  • 1 x 1/40 second exposure
  • f/4.0
  • ISO 100

Witnessing and capturing such scenes is a humbling experience that reminds us of the incredible wonders that exist beyond our everyday lives. If you'd like to see more of my adventures in astrophotography, feel free to check out my Instagram: