dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Besides photographing Mono Lake, I was so looking forward to shooting the Milky Way; but either the skies or the high barrier of the Sierras seemed to be a deterrent. This was our last night out before returning to Vegas, so it was now or never. The Alabama Hills offered such interesting foreground that we didn't have to think twice about where we wanted to go. But oh the dust! The occasional car would drive by so I had to grab a wrap to put over my equipment. Even so, after the traffic had long been gone, the dust in the air was tangible. I was brushing off my lens after every exposure. But what a treat the experience turned out to be!

The orange glow in the first image was the town of Lone Pine in the distance, and the tip of the Milky Way was just clearing the horizon. Swinging around to the southwest, the core was becoming evident and I think that might be Mars in the top right corner. (Anyone well versed in Astronomy who can clarify for me?) The last two images simply show the core of the Milky Way working its way across the sky.

I am a confessed color junkie when it comes to the Milky Way and I get as excited over unveiling the latent colors as I do opening Christmas presents. I haven't mastered the shooting techniques yet and kinda blew it by forgetting to turn on the NR for long exposures. Also, I don't have any apps to tell me exactly where the Milky Way will rise, so I couldn't take 'blue hour' images of the hills then wait for the Milky Way to rise in order to have more detail and less noise in the foreground. But all that said, I loved every minute of being out there under the stars!!

(You might want to be sure and view the downloads on these images even though it's a bit slow.)

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Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Nicely done.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

We all have to start somewhere when learning to shoot the Milky Way. These are not bad efforts for a beginner. I use two apps for the Milky Way--Goskywatch and Photopills. the first is easier to use the second has a much higher learning curve. If I may make one suggestion for improving images--you already mentioned the noise reduction-- just think about foreground.

You are off to a great start--keep shooting.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Having never shot the Milky Way myself, let me say that I would be thrilled if I had taken these. Larry (treadwl) has done amazing work and I'd love to have his knowledge and experience. That said, I think you done good. By all means, keep it up.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Very nice. Really like the last one.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I enjoyed viewing this series!
Pat

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Thank you, Bultaco--appreciate your taking time to view.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Thank you, Larry, for directing me to the apps. My next trip is to the Oregon Coast and I am hoping to use some seastacks for foreground. Not having any focus stacking software for multiple shots, I have been reluctant to get too close to the foreground lest I end up with a blurry mess, but I am motivated to take that leap now. Do you have a recommendation for a user-friendly stacking software to use with Lightroom (not the cloud version)?

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Thanks so much for the encouraging words!! I know I am going to have to invest in some software and apps and then struggle through some learning curves, but I sure to love getting out under the stars.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Thank you for dropping in for a closer look, traderjohn!

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I appreciate your following the progress of my trip, Pat!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

So do we see a Night Sky filter from Breakthrough Photography in your future?

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I don't know--what is it?!

Sirius_one Loc: S.F. Bay Area

I love your starry skies, I wish I could see these beautiful skies for myself!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

I love this set Diane. Well done