A Celestial Glow Over the Alabama Hills

Sometimes, the most powerful images are captured in a single, fleeting moment. This stunning self-portrait, taken at the iconic Boot Arch in the Alabama Hills, is one such testament to the magic that happens when the earthly landscape meets celestial beauty.

The photographer, using a Sony a7iii and a Sony 16-35 GM lens at 18mm, F2.8, managed to freeze this incredible scene in a single 10-second exposure at ISO 8000. The result is a captivating blend of the rugged desert terrain, the distinctive silhouette of Boot Arch, and a mesmerizing airglow painting the night sky.

Airglow, the faint emission of light by a planetary atmosphere, often appears as a subtle, ethereal haze in astrophotography. In this image, it adds a surreal and dreamlike quality, enveloping the scene and drawing the viewer's eye upwards.

This shot was the last to be taken before clouds rolled in, making it an even more precious capture. It's a beautiful reminder of the ephemeral nature of both weather and the night sky's displays, and the skill required to document them.

What do you think of this stunning capture? Let us know in the comments!