Pierced by the Galaxy: Skull Rock Under the Milky Way
This breathtaking image captures a truly unique perspective from Joshua Tree National Park, where the iconic Skull Rock stands sentinel beneath a celestial spectacle.
A Celestial Alignment
The photographer masterfully combined foreground and sky exposures to bring this scene to life. The rugged, natural archway of Skull Rock provides a dramatic earthly anchor, while the vibrant core of the Milky Way arches directly through its opening, creating a profound sense of connection between our planet and the cosmos.
Technical Insights
Achieving such a detailed and striking nightscape involved careful planning and execution:
- Camera: Sony A7IV
- Lens: Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN ART
Sky Capture:
- Exposure: 9 x 6-second exposures
- Aperture: f/1.4
- ISO: 6400
- Tracking: Untracked
Foreground Capture:
- Exposure: 12 x 30-second exposures
- Aperture: f/1.4
- ISO: 6400
Post-Processing
The raw data was meticulously stacked using Sequator, a powerful tool for astrophotography, to reduce noise and enhance detail in the sky. Further refinements and color grading were then performed in Adobe Photoshop to bring out the full brilliance of the Milky Way and the textures of Skull Rock.
Seeking Feedback
Astrophotography is a continuous learning process, and the creator welcomes all feedback to further refine their craft. If you enjoy this type of celestial artistry, you can see more of their work on Instagram at .
