Medium: Fine Art Texture Paper

Size 30x24"

Limited edition 3 of 20 

Night sky photography is a completely different experience from photographing during the day. It requires careful planning, patience, the right conditions and sometimes a little bit of luck.

I had seen photographs from this particular location in the Rocky Mountains and became inspired to create my own version. Before heading out, I spent time checking the moon phase, weather conditions and the position of the Milky Way to give myself the best chance of capturing what I had imagined.

When I arrived, I met two other photographers who were there for the same reason. Having some company was definitely comforting. Standing in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in complete darkness can feel very different once you start thinking about everything that might be somewhere beyond the reach of your headlamp.

After setting up my camera, the conditions came together beautifully and the Milky Way appeared above the mountains exactly where I had hoped.

One of my favourite details in this photograph, however, wasn't planned at all. The red streak of light winding through the scene was created by my friends driving away while my camera was taking a long exposure. What could have easily felt like a ruined photograph ended up adding another dimension to the composition.

It is a great reminder that even with all the planning that goes into photography, sometimes the unexpected moments are what make an image truly unique.