Path to Darkness
"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." - Og Mandino...
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"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." - Og Mandino
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Mar, 2015Views
1643
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Contender in the Visual Poetry Project
Gem Award
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Top Pick Award
Halfway22 Award
Top Shot Award 22
Jewel Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Judge Favorite
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Summer 2020
2020 Choice Award
Member Selection Award
Featured
Featured
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
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Categories
Discover more photos See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this shot about 30 minutes north of Fountain Hills, AZ. I was on my way to shoot over Saguaro Lake when I saw a road that was heading south, I took it for a 1/2 mile and pulled over.Time
Since this was taken in March, the core of the Milky Way is visible in the early hours of the morning, so I would say about 2:30-3 AM.Lighting
The darker the better!Equipment
I had my Canon 6d with a Canon 24-105 f/4, resting on a Dolica tripod. I used a (generic) wireless remote release to expose the shot once I set it. The light on the road was provided by a headlamp that I turned on for only a few seconds of the exposure.Inspiration
I absolutely love capturing the Milky Way. I moved to Arizona 7 months ago and saw it for the first time during a trip to Sedona. Since then I have been constantly driving around looking for dark, desolate areas to shoot. A lot of what I have seen, that others have shot, guys on instagram, i.e. Michael Shainblum, provide me with a spark and hopefully I can create something from there.Editing
I have been working with different post-processing techniques, but for this particular shot I used Kenneth Brandon's photoshop technique (as seen here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FOAmP7A_x6c). I found it to really make the image pop. I followed it up with a little color correction in LR.In my camera bag
I carry my Canon 6d and a Canon 24-105 f/4. Essential for astrophotography, I find, is my Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 so I have that as well. I definitely recommend a (wireless) remote release to keep vibrations at a minimum. A headlamp is great for night sessions so you don't have to rely on a flashlight or your phone for light. A steady tripod is also necessary.Feedback
Keep your eyes south. I'm always trying to find locations that will make a great foreground for a Milky Way. The hardest part really is finding the darkest skies, they always require driving and scouting, but the results are definitely worth it. And of course, keep shooting and working on it. When I look at my shots from just 7 months ago to what I know I can accomplish now, there's a vast positive difference. I'm just getting started!
