Capturing the Milky Way Above Point Reyes: A Photographer's Journey
I’ve long wanted to devote some time to getting better at Milky Way photography and I’m slowly inching towards that goal. After putting the kids down, I checked for fog and made my way out to Point Reyes National Seashore in California. Conditions were pretty good.
I fired off several stacks of 5 images for processing later. It was pitch black except for the light of a farmhouse. I had been planning to make a composite with a very long exposure for the foreground, but the fog rolled in and I was sent packing, which was just as well because I needed to get to sleep. Amazing night.
The Gear and the Shot
Here's a look at the equipment used for this impressive capture:
- Camera: Sony a1
- Lens: Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8
- Focal Length: 16mm
- Exposure: 10 seconds
- ISO: 5000
The Processing Pipeline
The post-processing involved a few key tools to bring out the best in the captured data:
- Stacking: Processed in Starry Landscape for stacking.
- Editing: RC Astro plug-in used for editing in Photoshop.
The Result: A Celestial Panorama
Here is the breathtaking result of this astrophotography endeavor:
Despite the unexpected fog that cut the session short, the image showcases the dedication and skill involved in capturing such a dynamic night sky. It's a testament to the pursuit of passion, even when faced with the unpredictability of nature.
