I just shot this last night while visiting Borrego Springs, CA. The night was calm and warm, which helped a lot. It was both my first time visiting the area and shooting astrophotography. I watched A LOT of YouTube videos about the subject, so that was super helpful.
This was shot with a Nikon D750, using a Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens and mounted on a tripod. Exposure was 10 seconds at f/2.8 and ISO 6400. To add some light to the foreground, I simply downloaded an image of a white screen to my cellphone and used the screen as my light source. I tried using a flashlight, but that was too bright and too concentrated.
I want to experiment more with foreground lighting, so I'm thinking of putting my phone in a softbox to keep the light directional.
2 Comments
Makes me want to go out there and try to shoot the Milky Way. I live near San Diego.
It's an easy drive, even from L.A.
Right now is a good time to go because the nights are warm. Not scorching hot and not chilly or cold. Hardly anyone out there as well, so you don't have to worry about other people messing up your shots.