Hide & Seek

The Milky Way is only just visible rising above Ivor Rowe Rockpool.

Just after our restrictions eased back in May, I thought I'd try to capture the Milky Way rising over Ivor Rowe Rockpool in Coogee.

When I arrived I discovered there was a bright streetlight which all but drowned the foreground out, and made for very difficult shooting conditions.

I figured since I was there I may as well see what I can get, so set up on a little shelf right next to the pool, zoomed the lens in to about 35mm, and started shooting.

And the editing process for this image was almost impossible - I really had to push the limits of the RAW files to get even a little bit of detail out of the night sky and Milky Way, before finally ending up with this.

And it’s definitely not perfect or portfolio worthy.

But if that’s the case, why am I sharing this image? Well for one, I am a little proud of how I managed to get something out of almost nothing, but more importantly to show that not every idea is successful - and that’s okay.

It was definitely a learning experience and hopefully when I try again, I'll have better luck.

But first I should really shoot out that streetlight...

In the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and the lands of the Bidjigal and Gadigal people on which I took this photo. I also acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Elders past and present, and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to country.

The details for this image are:

• Nikon D750 with Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2

• Sirui W-1204 tripod with K-20x Ball Head⁣

• 10s

• f/2.8

• ISO6400