Old Higgins' Farm Windmill
One of the historic windmills on Cape Cod with the Milky Way rising in the background
One of the historic windmills on Cape Cod with the Milky Way rising in the background
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Sep, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo is of the historic windmill from the Old Higgins Farm in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. It was built in 1795 and last ground grain in 1900.Time
The image was taken about one hour after astronomical twilight.Lighting
The location was challenging -- to photograph the Milky Way in the south, I was facing Route 6A, a busy thoroughfare that bisects the Cape. The images had to be timed between cars.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon Df, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lens, on tripodInspiration
Cape Cod is my seasonal home, and I cherish the time I spend here by photographing as much as I can, especially at night. My favorite subjects are combining those that are iconically Cape Cod with the Milky Way. The Old Higgins Farm windmill is a part of the unique and rich history of the area, so it was a perfect subject.Editing
Post-processing of my night images, and Milky Way images in particular, is very simple. I start with lens/camera correction and noise reduction using DXo Optics Pro and then import into Lightroom. In LR, my general workflow is to adjust temperature, followed by contrast, clarity, and vibrancy. I also adjust the highlights/whites and shadows/blacks.In my camera bag
I always carry my Nikon Df with the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lens and the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art lens for night photography. Of course, a remote shutter release, flashlights for light painting, and a study tripod are required.Feedback
Night photography requires pre-planning before the shoot and patience during. Use apps for your pre-planning, such as The Photographer's Ephemeris, Photo Pills, Moon Calendar, and various weather apps. Know your camera's buttons and dials very well. Nighttime is not the time to learn your camera!
