Milky Way Over Thousand Island Lake and Banner Peak: A Stunning Astrophotography Journey

This past weekend marked a significant adventure for me – my first backpacking trip to the breathtaking Thousand Island Lake. The journey involved hauling nearly six pounds of camera gear up a challenging 4,000 feet, and as the images show, it was undeniably worth every ounce.

Capturing the Cosmos

The goal was to capture the majestic Milky Way as it graced the iconic landscape of Thousand Island Lake, with the imposing Banner Peak as its backdrop. The sheer scale and beauty of the scene are truly humbling, and I wanted to do it justice.

The Technical Details: From Capture to Creation

Achieving this shot involved a deliberate and intricate workflow:

• Camera & Lens: The capture was made using a Fujifilm X-S20 paired with a Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens.
• Settings: To maximize light and capture the celestial detail, I used an ISO of 3200, an aperture of f/1.4, and a shutter speed of 13 seconds. The white balance was set for daylight conditions.
• Acquisition: A total of 999 individual frames were taken using the camera's internal timer, with a 15-second interval between each shot. This allowed for the creation of a time-lapse sequence.
• Processing Workflow:
  • Lens Correction: I applied lens profile corrections to each frame in Adobe Lightroom.
  • Stacking: For noise reduction and enhanced detail, I stacked 5 frames together using Sequator.
  • Lighting & Refinement: Post-processing for lighting adjustments was also performed in Lightroom.
  • Time-lapse Composition: Finally, these processed stacks were composed into a time-lapse video using Adobe Premiere Pro.

This meticulous process, especially the stacking technique within Sequator, where every 5 frames are stacked to create a single improved frame, results in a stunning and detailed representation of the night sky.

The Effort Was Worth It

The hike itself was demanding, and carrying the camera equipment added another layer of challenge. However, seeing the final result – the vibrant arc of the Milky Way illuminating the serene lake and towering peak – makes every step and every ounce of effort feel profoundly rewarding. It's moments like these that truly fuel the passion for astrophotography and exploring the natural world.

This experience has solidified my love for backcountry photography, and I can't wait for the next adventure under the stars.