This was a tough one. I rarely discuss the back story but I think I will on this one. The days leading up to this shoot were some of the hottest of the year. We had traveled south and endured some 98 degree days and a majority of those days we found ourselves outside. The new moon was approaching and I made several attempts to photograph the comet Neowise but the city lights and the haze were too much.
Meanwhile back home in WV my friends were having luck. Our trip came to an end and I began to look at the approaching week’s weather in WV. NOT GOOD! Cloudy days ahead. The only day that would have clear skies just happened to be the travel day home. After driving the family home(dogs included) we arrived at a pivotal time. It was 530pm. I live almost 4 hours from Spruce Knob, WV. I had just driven 7 hours and the days leading to that were weighing heavy. I had a choice to make. If I was to get a shot at comet Neowise, then I would have to leave immediately. I knew that this meant pulling an all nighter on an already exhausted mind and body. The alternative was not get a chance at the comet.
The new moon only afforded some few days to get the best look. Photography never waits for anyone. It seems as though its always the best time to shoot when it’s the most inconvenient time imaginable. Knowing that I would be kicking myself if I didn’t try, I grabbed a couple lenses, my camera and a spare battery. The adrenaline carried me once the comet came into view. It didn’t take long before the Milky Way showed up as well in all its glory. So visible to the naked eye in a dark sky place like Spruce Knob, WV. Almost Heaven is the moto for a reason. The area is about as void of light pollution as any location along the east coast of the United States.
It was 3am before I began to lean heavily on the caffeinated drinks. Almost every time I drive 15 plus hours to get a photo I feel like it has been worth it. I come away with the satisfaction that I will not regret the unknown even if I am not rewarded with a keeper photo.
You can see other shots that I have taken of the Milkyway here.
Pendleton County, WV #longexposure_shots #nightimages #nightshooterz#nightshooters#nightpics#milkywaygalaxy#astrophotography#astrophoto#astro_photography_#astro_photography#longexposure#longexpohunter#longexpo#amazing_longexpo#amazingearth#milkyway #nightphotography #night_excl #amazingphotohunter#fantasticuniverse#nightphotography#nightimages#night_excl#longexposurephotography#milkywaychasers#IG_MilkyWay#neowise#comet See Less— at Spruce Knob.