Cima di Terrarossa: Peaks, Stars, and Wild Scenes in the Julian Alps
Embark on a visual journey to the rugged heart of the Julian Alps, where the imposing peaks of Cima di Terrarossa meet the breathtaking expanse of the night sky. This collection of images, captured during a quiet hike through one of the wildest corners of this magnificent mountain range, offers a unique glimpse into the interplay of earthly grandeur and celestial wonder.
Starting from the Montasio plateau, the trek towards Cima di Terrarossa promised not only encounters with elusive ibex and shifting light but also ample opportunity to witness the stars in all their glory. The resulting photography is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of this Italian landscape.
The Art of Capturing the Night
The creation of these images involved a meticulous process, combining landscape and sky photography techniques to achieve a truly immersive experience.
Landscape Composition:
A panorama of seven images was used to capture the sweeping vistas of the terrain. For the single landscape shots, settings were optimized for clarity and light: ISO 1250, 16mm focal length, f/1.8 aperture, with a 60-second exposure. Focus stacking was employed to ensure sharpness across the entire scene.
Sky RGB Capture:
To bring out the vibrant colors of the night sky, another seven-image panorama was created. Similar to the landscape shots, settings were: ISO 1250, 16mm, f/1.8, with a 60-second exposure for each panel. To further enhance the details and reduce noise, two images were stacked per panel, with an additional 30-second exposure dedicated to capturing subtle star glow.
Sky Ha (Hydrogen-Alpha) Enhancement:
For a deeper dive into the nebular details and red hues often hidden in plain sight, Hydrogen-Alpha (H-alpha) filtered images were taken. A three-image panorama was constructed, with each single image utilizing ISO 6400, 16mm, f/1.8, and a 60-second exposure. Five images were stacked per panel to maximize the signal from the H-alpha emission lines, revealing intricate structures within the cosmos.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Nikon Z6
- Lens: Viltrox 16mm
- Mount: MSM Nomad
- Filters: Kenko Softon A filter, Astronomik 12nm Halpha filter
This venture into the Julian Alps highlights the power of astrophotography to connect us with the natural world in profound ways, revealing the hidden wonders that lie both on Earth and in the celestial sphere above.
Want to see the full story behind this shot? Check out the vlog!
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