Capturing the Galactic Core: A Hyperlapse Journey from Rijeka
Last week, I embarked on an exciting new photographic adventure: my first attempt at an astro hyperlapse. The goal? To capture the slow, majestic ascent of our galaxy's core against the backdrop of the natural and urban landscape.
The Technique: Hyperlapse Meets the Cosmos
While a standard timelapse captures a scene unfolding over time, an astro hyperlapse adds another layer of complexity and visual interest. The key difference lies in the intentional movement of the camera. In this project, the camera setup rotated incrementally between each shot. This subtle, calculated movement creates a unique, almost ethereal tracking effect as the celestial objects move across the sky.
The Setup and The Shoot
This endeavor involved approximately 3 hours of continuous shooting. The scene captured is the Galactic core rising above the distant glow of Rijeka, Croatia, with the imposing Dinaric mountains of Čičarija nestled between the Slovenian and Croatian border. The equipment used for this shoot included:
- Camera: Nikon D600 (stock)
- Lens: TTartisan 11mm f2.8 fisheye
- Rotator: Move Shoot Move rotator
Over the course of the shoot, a total of 380 frames were captured. Each frame was exposed for 20 seconds with a 10-second interval between shots. Crucially, a 0.1° rotation was applied between each consecutive frame, allowing for that smooth, sweeping visual.
The Result: A Symphony of Light and Motion
I'm incredibly pleased with how this first attempt at an astro hyperlapse has turned out. While I acknowledge that the duration might be considered short, the visual output beautifully conveys the gradual, awe-inspiring movement of the Galactic core. It's a testament to the power of combining creative techniques with the breathtaking beauty of the night sky.
This project has certainly ignited a passion for exploring more hyperlapse astrophotography in the future!
