Still So Much to Learn
With nearly 45 years of experience in photography under my belt, I've seen some successes. From selling my prints to building a solid social media following, it's been a fulfilling journey.
This past weekend, however, presented a new challenge: I was invited to an outing with a group of friends to attempt to capture the Northern Lights. Despite the 2nd evening of a strong geomagnetic storm, the lights remained elusive. So, we turned our lenses southward to the Milky Way.
But here's the catch: I've never done astrophotography before. Feeling out of my depth, I humbled myself and asked for guidance. With a crash course from my friend Sathya, I dove in. In that moment, I realized how much there still is to learn. Photography is an ever-evolving craft, and I'm committed to growing every day. Despite the setbacks and frustrations, each shot is a step forward, a reminder of the endless possibilities awaiting behind the lens.
Capturing the Milky Way proved to be a formidable challenge, marked by technical hurdles and a steep learning curve. Initially, my lack of familiarity with camera settings for this use case left me unsure of where to begin. The "rule of 500" was a foreign concept, leading to inconsistent exposures and often overexposed images.
It turns out that the "rule of 500" is a guideline often used in astrophotography to determine the maximum exposure time for capturing stars without significant trailing (elongation of stars due to the Earth's rotation). The rule states that to avoid noticeable star trails in your images, you should divide 500 by the focal length of your lens (in millimeters) to find the maximum exposure time in seconds. For example, if you are using a 50mm lens, the calculation would be: 500 / 50 = 10 seconds. Therefore, with a 50mm lens, you should aim to keep your exposure time under 10 seconds to minimize star trailing.
Achieving critical focus was another obstacle, with stars appearing as mere specks through the viewfinder. Experimentation with various focus techniques was necessary to overcome this hurdle.
Post-processing introduced yet another layer of complexity, particularly techniques like stacking, which required extensive research and trial-and-error.
As the night wore on, I found myself experimenting with different settings, adjusting compositions, and soaking in the beauty of the star-studded sky. Though the Northern Lights remained elusive, the experience of trying something new was invaluable. Although my first attempt, pictured below, leaves a lot to be desired, I know I can use this experience to learn and grow in my craft. As I look back on my images from years past, I see a world of growth and am forever grateful for that.
It's easy to get comfortable in our routines, to stick to what we know and to even fall into the trap of comparing our work to others. But it's in those moments of discomfort, of pushing ourselves beyond our limits, that we truly grow as artists.
Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about interpreting the world through our unique perspectives. Each photographer brings their own background, experiences, and emotions to their craft, shaping the way they perceive and portray the world. As such, no two photographers will ever see or capture the same scene in exactly the same way. This inherent subjectivity is what makes photography so rich and diverse. It allows for a multitude of interpretations, inviting viewers to connect with images on a deeply personal level. In embracing this subjectivity, we celebrate the individuality and creativity of each photographer, recognizing that their distinct vision adds depth and richness to the collective tapestry of photographic art.
Looking back on that night, I'm grateful for the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, to expand my skill set, and to be reminded of the boundless wonders that await in the world of photography.
So here's to embracing the unknown, to pushing boundaries, and to never stopping the pursuit of knowledge and mastery. After all, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
