“The sky grew darker, painted blue on blue, one stroke at a time, into deeper and deeper shades of night”
Deadvlei Night Sky
Deadvlei Night Sky. This was just an amazing evening. A group of photographers, including me, were huddled under the starry sky here in Deadvlei Namibia. We were with Marsel van Oosten and Daniella Sibbing. Here I learned about the importance of foreground in astrophotography pictures. Here I also learned about lighting the foreground. Here I also learned about the importance of focussing. I learned not to move my focus once astronomical darkness was upon us. It is more difficult to get a sharp shot if you have moved anything. especially as we were now on manual focus. I learned, but I also just marvelled at what was before me. And I was so excited to be able to capture such a majesty in the night sky.
Remnants of the Milky Way
Astrophotography is not for the fain-hearted. It requires preparation and stamina. Here in Spitskoppe I was up way before sunrise to capture this panorama. Though I was primarily getting ready for the sunrise, I found myself mesmerised by the ‘blue hour’ light of the early morning and the fading night sky. And I also loved the spread of the Milky Way across the rocky desert landscape. So I quickly took a series of images that I hoped could be put together for a panorama Milky Way shot. This image is comprised of 10 shots that were then were stitched together post processing. I love the colour, the sweep of the stars, and the planet shining bright—all making this just a lovely image.
Worth the 4:30am alarm. Worth carrying the gear and the tripod.
The Namibia night sky…something special indeed