Milky Way Magic

Milky Way rising above mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. September 2019. ©Mark T. Osler

A few years ago. I made my first attempt at photographing the Milky Way.

Like many first efforts, it yielded a fairly unremarkable picture. 

A couple of weekends ago, camping at Rocky Mountain National Park, I got inspired to make another attempt when I looked up after a late dinner and was awestruck by the wealth of stars in the crystal clear, moonless (and cloudless) sky. 

After a short drive into the park, I chose a place, got out of the car, and was reminded of what DARK really looks like! Have to admit it was a little freaky not being able to see … pretty much ANYthing … and knowing there are wild varmints tooling about. 

Since I didn’t really know what I was doing anyway, I decided I’d make a few photos that seemed decent and head back to the campground. 

It was close to 10pm when I was doing all this and I remember “having my patience tested” by how many cars were still driving around in the park … passing by and ruining my 30-second exposures! 

Or so I thought. 

Turns out, the light from the headlights was just what the doctor ordered — illuminating the trees in the foreground, and giving this photo added interest and depth. 

Happy accidents like this are the result of shooting thru the problems that arise while you’re photographing, rather than giving up and waiting for “perfection” … whatever that is. Perseverance is something the photo gods frequently reward!