“Loved to death” is a very accurate phrase. The last time I photographed there the Milky Way was out. I walked up to find the tree surrounded by 25 photographers. That was a few years ago, probably 2018.
I love that tree you’re referring to as well. In fact, one of my photos of that tree made it into National Geographic Books. But I wanted to take some photos of trees that rarely get photographed. Thanks!!
Photographers often suggest you look to see what's in back of you when photographing or you might miss out on something better. While photographing Comet NEOWISE in late July, that's exactly what I did. Comet in front of me, Milky Way in back. I had to photograph both. This is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains by Owens Valley. At over 10,500 ft (3200m) in elevation, the sky is clearer, the stars more visceral, and the smile much larger. The bristlecone pines are some of the oldest living things on the planet, some growing before Buddha or George Burns walked the earth. I illuminated the ancient pine with a handheld ProtoMachines LED2 light painting device during the exposure for the earthbound elements, and let the universe do the lighting for the rest.
Lake George, up in the snowy Eastern Sierra. So many people miss the amazing night sky. I am thankful for the opportunity to have a few friends who are willing to share in adventures and experience new places, escaping from some of the struggles life throws at us for a short while. Going to the Sierras and hiking, kayaking, biking, and slowing down and connecting with the night sky is a luxury. Many cannot do these things, and I never take it for granted. In our fast-paced world, we rarely have a chance to see the stars drift across the sky. This beautiful location is located in Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra, California, with Crystal Crag in the distance and the inspiring Milky Way overhead.
Nikon D750/Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 lens. Earth: 500 seconds f/2.8 ISO 800. Sky: 20 images stacked for NR in SLS, each 15 seconds f/2.8 ISO 12800. 2018-06-13 11:03 am.
Milky Way, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California (1638x2408)(OC)
Sierra Stars - Milky Way over Mammoth Lakes (2048x1367)(OC)
kenleephotography t1_jcx1l06 wrote
Reply to Dandenongs National Park, Victoria, Australia [1080x1350] [OC] @steven.sandner by steven_sandner
Great photo!