Milky Way Mesa: Capturing Monument Valley's Night Sky with a Single Exposure

Monument Valley. The name itself conjures images of iconic desert landscapes, vast open spaces, and a sky that, when the sun sets, transforms into a canvas of celestial wonder. Recently, I had the opportunity to witness this magic firsthand, and I'm thrilled to share the results – a collection of Milky Way shots captured in a single, unstacked exposure.

The Gear and the Goal

My journey into the night sky at Monument Valley was made possible with a Sony A7IV and a Sony 35mm f/1.4 lens. The goal was simple yet challenging: to capture the grandeur of the Milky Way in a single, unadulterated exposure. No stacking, no complex post-processing beyond basic adjustments – just pure, raw beauty.

Settings for the Stars:

• Camera: Sony A7IV
• Lens: Sony 35mm f/1.4
• ISO: 5000
• Aperture: f/1.4
• Shutter Speed: 6 seconds
• Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod
• Post-processing: Pixelmator Pro (Exposure, Brightness, Contrast, Black point, Sharpening)

The 'Star Eater' Myth?

For those considering the A7IV for astrophotography, a common concern is the 'star eater' feature. As a hobbyist who prefers simplicity, I was curious to see how this would play out. My approach? Turn off the long exposure noise reduction in the camera's menu. The results speak for themselves – a clear and detailed rendition of the night sky.

The Location: More Than Just the Views

While the iconic vistas of Monument Valley are undeniable, sometimes the best vantage point isn't always the most obvious. In this case, I found the most compelling composition from a hotel terrace. Scouting desert locations during the day is crucial, but for this particular shot, the terrace offered the perfect framing for the celestial spectacle.

Beyond the Basics: Realistic Grading

My aim was for a realistic grading, and the feedback has been encouraging. It's about capturing the scene as authentically as possible, letting the natural beauty of the night sky shine through. The second shot in this series is a personal favorite, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow on the desert landscape.

Experiencing this kind of scene is truly humbling. The Milky Way, a reminder of our place in the vast universe, laid out before me, and captured through the lens of simple yet powerful technology. It’s a testament to what can be achieved with thoughtful gear choices and a passion for the night sky.