death valley milky way

During Hudson’s Death Valley workshop, we were out every morning before dawn and back out until the blue hour. (It was simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating.) On this morning, we woke up at 3 a.m. to go out and catch the rising Milky Way, which was visible for only 30 minutes that day. Hudson did a great job of preparing everyone the evening before, working to get cameras and expectations set for the morning shoot.

After heading out in the van, and hiking out to the Mesquite Dunes, we all lined up and waited for the Milky Way. Hudson had brought along a portable light to illuminate the dunes during our shots, and, although I got a couple of the latter that I liked, this unlit one is my favorite shot of the morning. It violates the cardinal rule that says “thou shalt not put thy subject in the center of the frame,” but to my eye it looks better than some of the off-center shots I made that morning.

I’m still a bit of a newbie on the whole Milky Way thing, but I’ll get there.

4 thoughts on “death valley milky way”

  1. It’s beautiful, Rick, and it’s nice to see a some new posts and photos from you this week! Hope you’re doing well and settled into your new home. (Guess that’ll make meeting for coffee sometime a tad bit harder. )

    All the best,
    Candice

    Reply
    • Thanks, Candice, I appreciate it.

      I’ll be back in Portland every couple of months for a week or so. I’m sure we can find a time to connect and chat about words.

      Be well.

      Reply
  2. It’s my favorite too… that was a great morning… I am not a huge fan of milky way or night shooting but it was a great morning and to be out there when the desert wakes up was the best part. This picture captures that peaceful moment… lovely.

    Reply

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