My First Milky Way Shot: Battling Bugs and the Learning Curve
It's been a journey of research and dedication for the past six months, and today, I'm thrilled to share my very first attempt at capturing the majestic Milky Way. This endeavor, however, came with its own unique set of challenges, most notably, an onslaught of mosquitos that made focusing and processing a true test of endurance!
The Struggle in South Florida
I ventured out into what I thought were low Bortle sky conditions, but the presence of nearby waterways in Southwest Florida meant the mosquitos were out in full force. They were so bad that I was constantly interrupted, forced to retreat to my truck every few minutes to escape their relentless attacks. The humidity and sweat only seemed to amplify the problem, making it incredibly difficult to maintain focus and enjoy the experience.
Equipment and Settings
Despite the insect invasion, I managed to capture this image using the following setup:
- Camera: Canon 6D Modified H-Alpha
- Lens: Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5
- Exposure: 25 seconds
- Processing: Edited in Lightroom
Here's the shot I'm so proud of:
The Learning Curve
As a beginner, I'm still very much learning the ropes, especially when it comes to post-processing. I'm trying my best to avoid over-editing, aiming for a natural yet vibrant representation of the night sky. The colors in this shot are something I'm particularly happy with, a testament to the modified camera and the challenging yet rewarding capture process.
A Word of Advice for Fellow Astrophotographers
If you're planning your own Milky Way adventures, especially in bug-prone areas, heed my warning! While bug spray and personal repellents are a start, consider investing in solutions like repellent lanterns (like Thermacell) and using high-concentration DEET. The experience is so much more enjoyable when you're not constantly swatting away insects!
This first attempt has been a valuable learning experience, both in terms of technical skill and practical preparation. I'm excited to continue this journey and share more of my cosmic captures with you all!
