Path to Polaris: A Bridge to the Stars
In the heart of California's Six Rivers National Forest, a truly magical scene unfolded, captured beautifully by the lens of an intrepid astrophotographer. This stunning image presents a unique perspective where a rustic bridge appears to guide the viewer directly towards Polaris, the North Star.
Even with challenging cloudy conditions, the dedication to capturing this celestial phenomenon shines through. The resulting image showcases impressive star trails, a testament to careful planning and execution. The circular motion of the stars around the North Star creates a mesmerizing effect, drawing you into the vastness of space.
This shot was achieved using a Nikon Z6II with a Nikkor 20mm f1.8 lens. The settings for the sky were ISO 1600, with 339 exposures of 6 seconds each at f1.8. The foreground was captured with a longer exposure of 186 seconds at ISO 800 and f1.8 to properly illuminate the bridge and surrounding environment.
The effect has been likened to being on the Millennium Falcon, embarking on a journey through the cosmos. For those interested in the behind-the-scenes process of creating this image, a full video is available on .
For more incredible captures like this, be sure to check out the photographer's .
