Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae

Lagoon and Trifid NebulaeLooking toward the center of the Milky Way galaxy we are treated to numerous glowing patches of glowing gas and dust.  The three most prominent patches of nebulosity in this image are known , from L to R, as NGC 6559, M8, and M20.  The large nebula M8 (M for Charles Messier) is commonly known as the Lagoon Nebula.  The blue and red nebula at the top right is M20 and is commonly known as the Trifid Nebula.  We are looking toward the center of the Milky Way galaxy in this image and the distance to these objects is approximately 4,000 light years.  M8 and M20 are beautiful sights in a common pair of binoculars in the summer sky.  From the northern hemisphere they lie due south after sunset in the summer months and are in the constellation of Sagittarius.  

Please click on the image or here for a larger presentation and more information on how the image was acquired.  

Tree in Fog

Tree in Fog: Canaan ValleyA new image from our spring workshop in the Canaan Valley area.  Morning light and atmospheric fog create magical environments for photography.  This is a look over the valley near Canaan Valley State park at sunrise.  For a larger image presentation please click on the image and then click on the thumbnail at the bottom of the portfolio.  

The Solar Disk in Hydrogen Alpha Light

Solar disk in hydrogen alpha lightI have always admired the work of dedicated solar imagers like Greg Piepol and recently had an opportunity to work with some specialized solar imaging gear.  The filter required for this very narrow band of light is very expensive.  Larry Oyster let me take his TV102/Coronado SolarMax setup to the Green Bank Star Quest last month and we had beautiful skies to work with.  For more information and a higher resolution image please click on the link here or click on the image. The image is at the bottom of the color astrophotography gallery listing.

Thanks and stay tuned for many more images to come.  

Elakala Falls with Black and White Interpretation

Elakala Falls Black and White DownstreamIt is important to experment with black and white interpretations of scenes when the color component is not critical and the image is more about light and structure.  Flowing water lengs itself very nicely to black and white interpretations.  This is not my primary visualization while in the field, but it is one that we need to be mindful of if we are not inclined to view a scene in the eyes of black and white.  

The image may be viewed at this link at the bottom of the portfolio listing.  Please click on the thumbnail for full resolution presentation. 

Forest Mist

Forest MistSome of the best photographic opportunities are with fog, rain, and mist in the atmosphere.  These elements provide a beautiful light in the forest and one simply has to be on the lookout for the more intimate landscape setting that captures the emotion of the scene.  This image is from the 2011 workshop.  To see the full size image please click on the link and then click on the image thumbnail for lighbox presentation.