Capturing Stars Self Portrait

[iceman (Mike)]

While taking a timelapse from my usual setup position on the Friday night, I noticed that when people were standing on the edge of the dam, they looked great in silhouette against the sky with the trees in the background.

I planned in my mind to capture a self-portrait of this type of shot, with the bulge of the milky way rising over the mountain (like 'within reach') and myself silhouette against the sky.

I borrowed Fred's 24-70mm lens to get close-up action and everything was going to plan. I was waiting for the bulge of the Milky Way to rise above the mountain, capturing test shots with the southern part of the milky way.

Then Andrew (Murrell) convinced me to go for a drive with him to find some more nightscapes, so we did I'm kinda disappointed I didn't wait for the bulge of the milkyway, because I think it would've turned out just how I wanted it with it rising behind the trees, but at the same time I'm not disappointed with the shots Andrew and I captured while on our drive.

Canon 6D, 24-70mm lens @ 70mm, f/2.8, 30s exposure @ ISO6400 tracked on the Polarie.

The green airglow had some interesting structure.

- Large

Thanks for looking.

[ourkind (Carlos)]

Nice one Mike, I think a ladder or step ladder positioned just right with the Milky Way would look good. you'd need to be climbing it too

[Ross G]

Nice photo Mike.

I like the composition and good to see the "trees" have some company.

Ross.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Carlos and Ross.

A ladder would be a good idea

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Nice shot, Mike

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Larry.