Life Always Gives us What We Need

Just two weeks before taking any of these astrophotography shots, I bought a Sony camera. Before opening the box, I never had experience shooting anything other than using my iPhone camera. But that was about to change in the most memorable way possible. With camera in hand and a New Moon in the sky above, I began reading about and watching tutorials for shooting the Milky Way.

With the help of the Photopills app and some shooting spot recommendations from some of my Instagram connections, I was determined to capture one of these magical shots. I figured if other people can do it, then why can’t I? But as I drove South with my daughter from New Jersey into Virginia, I watched as each hour passed. Not having any idea where I was or what I was doing, I thought about waiting until the next night to try again in North Carolina. But with a little persistence, help from my daughter finding a place to stay, and some luck, where I ended up couldn’t have been more perfect of a setting.

Overcoming Challenges

After shooting several blurry shots (seen below).

I was able to figure out how to get a clear shot of the stars. I couldn’t believe what I saw in my camera; what I was able to capture. Before that night, I only ever experienced these pictures through the perspective of others and those they chose to share.

The excitement continued to grow as I captured a shot of the Milky Way coming through the tree line.

A Night Full of Love

But what I saw next as I walked around the property was the beginning of a memorable night. And I knew at that moment that I was exactly where I was meant to be. My daughter in awe and a sky full of stars made this the night that I fell in Love with photography.

The following day we left and headed into the mountains of Southwest North Carolina, I captured my final astrophotography shot of what will be an experience I won’t soon forget.

There is so much that came out of my first astrophotography experience. Most importantly is creating more memories with my daughter that will last a lifetime. I’ll never forget how lost she became looking at the sky, counting shooting stars – I think she counted seven! I could’ve given up after driving for 8 hours straight, trust me I wanted to – I was tired, hungry, and cranky, but a little faith and a desire that was greater than any discomfort I felt allowed me and my daughter to experience something that neither of us will ever forget.

All photos lightly edited using lightroom – Used for the first time with these pictures.