End of Milky Way “Season”

The end of Milky Way “season” has come. It ends after the October new moon. It is a bittersweet feeling for someone finishing up their first season of shooting the core of the Milky Way. I began Milky Way photography this past February. Driving three hours to Assateague Island National Seashore in the wee hours of the morning. The dark skies of Dorchester County, Maryland was where I most often shot. Mainly shooting around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and a few “Secret” spots. The night sky in the Dorchester shooting locations aren’t quite as dark as Assateague. Despite the slight difference in darkness the night sky is dazzling in both.

A nightscape where the night sky meets the bay with a reflecting pond in the foreground

Learning Along The Way

Along the way I have met some great night sky photographers. But, I owe most of my learning to Bob Fawcett. Bob offers night sky photography workshops as well. It is a great way for beginners or seasoned vets who want to learn the basics of night/Milky Way photography. Of course, taking the photo is just the start. Night sky photography, specifically Milky Way photography, requires basic post-processing knowledge. Youtube and night photography groups on social media like Facebook can be extremely helpful in learning the basics of Milky Way editing. There is no end to learning how to shoot or edit the photos for breathtaking final images.

Look Up

The core of The Milky Way behind a street sign reading Hoopersville Rd. Shot with the Irix 15mm Blackstone

It has become apparent to me that a lot, if not most people have never seen the Milky Way in the sky. A nice tool to find dark skies close to you can be found on a Dark Sky/Light Pollution map like this one. When finally seen with the naked eyes, it is understandable why photographers are drawn to it. The camera can pick up much more detail than our eyes can which is why so many photos are stunning. It is astonishing being under our galaxy and seeing Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars in the same sky. It reminds the viewer how small we really are. In an age where life moves so fast and digital devices run our lives, it is so important to look up at night. You just may see a shooting star.

Many Thanks

I wanted to thank a few people. I first want to thank my amazing wife, Brittany. Leaving in the early morning or late evening for 2+ hour drives each can cause worry. After all, I am going to semi-remote locations in pitch blackness. Also the time away a couple days a month is tough and I appreciate her understanding. Next I’d like to thank my friend, photographer, webmaster, freelance writer, and art-networker Dana. Being more available than necessary when I needed advice, both in life and photography. Dana you have been a godsend in some tough times. Thank you for your friendship. Bob is the next one up. Bob has become my friend, shooting partner, and someone to bounce ideas off of for future shoots and possible workshops. Vic, thank you for being a friend, our long talks, photography mentor, and critic. I still have much to learn and look forward to your constructive criticism, perhaps enjoying a bourbon or 3 together. Sean, a friend and mentor, you basically held my hand as I was starting through your videos and introduction to Vic. My family, who has been incredibly supportive of my photography Journey.

Anybody who has helped me by purchasing my work. I truly appreciate it, more than any of you know. So many people are so important to me and this business. Thank you all and anybody I may have missed.

What’s Next?

Bob and I will continue scouting new spots to shoot. On top of that, we look forward to making more connections and building relationships where we shoot. We have some night sky plans for the winter, and I hope to bring you more of the images you love. I promise to keep learning and to keep getting better. New gear will be in my future as well as I start to save. It is not unknown that I have a fondness of Irix lenses. I own the 11mm f/4.0, 15mm f/2.4, and 150mm f/2.8 Macro. I hope to round our my Irix inventory with the 45mm f/1.4.

You can purchase your own Irix lenses by using my affiliate link. A star tracker mount is also on my list to give even more detailed and stunning Milky Way photos.

I promised something new on my last post. I have not gotten to it, but it will be coming soon. Stand by.