Anza Borrego Sand Serpent
This 350 foot metal sculpture is just outside the town of Borrego Springs in the Anza Borrego Desert, California
This 350 foot metal sculpture is just outside the town of Borrego Springs in the Anza Borrego Desert, California
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Feb, 2017Views
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michaelleffel
February 12, 2018
Love me some Barrego Springs! Was just out there shooting this afternoon!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo of a 350-foot rusted metal serpent was taken around midnight during the New Moon, May 2014, in Galleta Meadows, outside the small town of Borrego Springs in the Anza-Borrego Desert, eastern San Diego County, California.Time
This photo was taken at 12:41am, May 28, 2014.Lighting
I specifically chose to go out to the Anza-Borrego Desert on May 28 in 2014 for 3 reasons: 1. Anza-Borrego Desert is one of the few areas in Southern California which is a "dark sky" area, where light pollution from cities is limited and many stars are visible, which otherwise would not be. 2. May 28, 2014 was a "New Moon" day, meaning the moon was not visible that night and the sky was very dark. 3. The core of the Milky Way galaxy was visible in the southern sky.Equipment
The photo was shot with a Canon EOS 6D, EF 16-35mm f/2.8 lens, @16mm f/2.8, 30-second exposure, ISO 3200. The camera was in manual mode on a tripod, and I light-painted the serpent's mouth with a flashlight.Inspiration
Although a lot of planning, preparation, and patiences goes into long-exposure night sky shots, I love taking shots of the Milky Way, because the gaseous colors of the Milky Way seem to constantly change and move. I thought the metal serpent made for an exotic foreground anchor.Editing
Using Photoshop, I adjusted white balance, contrast, and sharpening to pull out details of the Milky Way. I also masked out a support stake, which holds the head of the serpent up.In my camera bag
I usually carry a full bag, which includes a trilogy of zoom lenses, wide angle primes, filters for long exposures, intervelometers, and tripods.Feedback
Milky Way shots can be made with fast (f/2.8 or better), wide (16mm or better) lenses. It is critical to be in a dark sky area away from city lights, during nights when the moon is not out. Experiment with 20-30 second exposures (longer exposures will result in the formation of star trails), and ISO 1600-3200.
