Tropical Milky Way
Probably my best attempt so far in capturing the milky way. I was in Watamu, Kenya. The settings used are in the EXIF, the processing involved Adobe Camera Raw ...
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Probably my best attempt so far in capturing the milky way. I was in Watamu, Kenya. The settings used are in the EXIF, the processing involved Adobe Camera Raw and just a few adjustments in color temperature, brightness and clarity.
Oringinally published on my 500px page here: http:--500px.com-photo-69307421
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Oringinally published on my 500px page here: http:--500px.com-photo-69307421
Read less
May, 2014Views
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Awards
Member Selection Award
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Jaw Dropping
Peer Award
One Of A Kind
Great Find
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this image one the beaches of Watamu, Kenya. It is an amazing place where unique nature combines with roaring wildlife.Time
The sky was getting darker and darker when I decided to skip dinner and instead remain on the beach. As soon as the milky way rose I placed the tripod in the shallow waters of the ocean and locked it on the sand and started shooting. The exact time was 10pm.Lighting
I used a light painting technique. I simply pointed and waved a little torch toward the sea letting the light settle on the palms revealing their very own color.Equipment
I used a Canon 6D and a Samyang 14mm. The camera was placed on a tripod made from Manfrotto (the 290 series). Plus I used an infrared remote to avoid vibrations.Inspiration
I was looking for the perfect spot to shoot a milky way and I figured out that this location would have framed it perfecly. The sky was quite clear so it was a matter of waiting the night. When the darkness came I knew I had to shoot the milky was this way. It was perfecly visible with bare eyes. The unpolluted sky was a marvel of nature impossible to ignore.Editing
I usually proceed with little post processing. I start shooting raw and then I convert the file in Adobe Camera Raw. In this case I corrected the white balance, exposure, contrast and applied a mask on the sky to boost saturation, sharpening and clarity.In my camera bag
My ordinary equiment consist in a Canon 6D, a 24-105L f4 for everyday shooting (daylight) and a 35 f2 IS for every situation where light dims. Moving on I have a Samyang 14mm for wide angle and milky way shots. The last lens I always carry is an old full-manual Yashica 50mm 1.9. I use a Canon 430EX II flash for indoor shooting and a Manfrotto 290 series for long exposures.Feedback
The best way to get an image like this one is to find a really dark, unpolluted place. The farther from mankind the better. You really need a isolated place like a desert or a beach to enjoy the nature at its fullest. Of course the preparation is key: it's important to frame the shot before the light fades. Another practical advice is to always keep spare batteries. I had two full charged ones and they were barely enough. Long exposures drain your DSLR battery!
