The Neck, Wanaka, New Zealand: A Celestial Masterpiece

This striking image captures the iconic "The Neck" in Wanaka, New Zealand, under a blanket of stars, with the majestic Milky Way arching across the sky. It's a testament to the power of modern astrophotography and the dedication of its creators.

Behind the Shot

The photographer employed a sophisticated technique to achieve this stunning result, combining elements of focus stacking and panoramic stitching. The foreground was captured using a series of three images, each exposed for 55 seconds at ISO 800 with an f/1.8 aperture. The celestial portion, consisting of twelve images, was also shot at f/1.8, but with a shorter exposure of 15 seconds and an increased ISO of 1600.

Gear Used

All images were captured using a Sony A7 III camera paired with a Viltrox 16mm lens. This combination is a popular choice for astrophotographers due to its excellent low-light performance and wide-angle capabilities.

Technical Insights

While initially facing some challenges with banding in the sky, a crucial adjustment involving the application of lens profiles to the individual photos resolved the issue, highlighting the importance of meticulous post-processing. The blending of exposures was skillfully handled, resulting in a natural and balanced look that effectively showcases the brightness of the Milky Way.

For those interested in exploring more of this photographer's work, you can find their portfolio .