Joshua Tree CA, astrophotography of the milky way
Joshua Tree CA, astrophotography of the milky way
Joshua Tree CA, astrophotography of the milky way
Read less
Read less
NIKON D750
Aperture f/1.4 ISO 12800 Shutter 20/1 Focal Length 200/10 
Joshua Tree, California, US
Aug, 2019Views
293
Likes
Awards
Spring 21 Award
Judge Favorite
9Teen Award
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rankCategories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on June 2019 in Joshua Tree National Park with a class that was practicing astrophotography. There were 8 experts for 16 people in the class so we could get 1 on 1 attention and answers to our questions. It was an incredible experience and I am so glad that I did that.Time
This particular photo was one of my last after about 6 hours of shooting, it was between midnight and 1 am, it was only about 65 or 70 degrees, and it had come down from 95 or 100 degrees. I am so glad that this photo turned out the way that it did. When you are out there in the dark, and you get a quick glance on your screen, it does not show you the true picture.Lighting
The lighting was pitch black, it was a new moon, and you couldn't see 2 feet in front of you face. This was at ISO 12800 and at f/1/4 so it looks to be really bright out, but it was not at all. There is a red spot up on top of the rocks where 2 of the people in our group were exploring with their red head lamps on.Equipment
Tripod was the Slik 700DX, Camera Nikon D750, Lens Sigma Art 20 mm 1.4,no flash at all. I used my Nikon remote trigger as well.Inspiration
Our class instructor mentioned 3 great spots to get pictures of the Milky Way at the spot we were at Joshua Tree National Park. This was 1 of my last shots of the night and the 3rd spot of the night. It is my favorite picture of all time. I was astounded to get a picture like this on my fist time out.Editing
I did some light editing to adjust vibrance, saturation, exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, blacks and white balance. My friend took what I did and edited it in Photoshop for about 5 minutes to make the sky more purple, and to clean up the area around the rocks.In my camera bag
I have a large bag and can take all of my gear. I carry my Nikon D750 camera body, my Sigma art 20 mm f/1.4, Tamron 28-300, Sigma 150-500, Nikon 50 mm f/1.4, my 80 mm crystal ball, several filters, several batteries, several memory cards, flashlight, headlamp, my remote trigger, and other little accessories.Feedback
You can only get a shot like this certain times of the year, like Apr - Sept, and only on new moons. You can try in Feb, March, October but it is much more difficult. You can use the app called sky guide to see where the milky way will be and when. You really have to know what the best settings are for your camera and lens, or you will not get these kinds of results.
