The Milky Way over Longs Peak
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
f/2.8 | 30s | 12mm | ISO 4000
After visiting this location for sunrise about three years ago, I knew I had to return to capture the Milky Way. At 13,281’, Mt. Lady Washington provides a perfect view of the face of Longs Peak (14,259’), the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doing extensive research and using some night sky augmented reality, I found that the Milky Way lines up in the perfect spot, one week every year. As the date drew nearer, I made sure to check the moon cycle to see if any extra light may be obscuring the view of the sky. Fortunately, the moon would not be an issue and I began preparing for the trip. Leaving the trailhead at 9:30 pm, I began the 12-mile journey, hoping to reach the peak before 1 am or when the Milky Way would be in the perfect location. Hiking with urgency I made my way through the woods and eventually out into the vast expanse above tree line. Not a soul in sight, I had the mountain to myself…or so I thought. I nearly jumped a mile in the air as I watched 35 pairs of ghostly green eyes appear before me. Quickly realizing that this was just a herd of elk making their way across the tundra, I gave a cordial “hey elk, heyooo elk” and shimmied on past them.
Finally, I was able to make the mile-long scramble up the boulder-filled mountainside, catching my breath after every few steps. For what seemed like 8 false peaks, I eventually found myself sitting on the top with 15 minutes to spare. I spent the next hour taking pictures before heavy winds got the better of my conscious and I made my way down to the car. You may be thinking the green light you see in the sky is the aurora borealis. I initially thought that as well, but after doing some research, I found that this effect is called “airglow”. It is a layer of nighttime light emissions caused by chemical reactions high in Earth’s atmosphere. These green lights are so dim that the naked eye cannot perceive them, but when taking long exposures, sometimes they are revealed.
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
f/2.8 | 30s | 12mm | ISO 4000
After visiting this location for sunrise about three years ago, I knew I had to return to capture the Milky Way. At 13,281’, Mt. Lady Washington provides a perfect view of the face of Longs Peak (14,259’), the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doing extensive research and using some night sky augmented reality, I found that the Milky Way lines up in the perfect spot, one week every year. As the date drew nearer, I made sure to check the moon cycle to see if any extra light may be obscuring the view of the sky. Fortunately, the moon would not be an issue and I began preparing for the trip. Leaving the trailhead at 9:30 pm, I began the 12-mile journey, hoping to reach the peak before 1 am or when the Milky Way would be in the perfect location. Hiking with urgency I made my way through the woods and eventually out into the vast expanse above tree line. Not a soul in sight, I had the mountain to myself…or so I thought. I nearly jumped a mile in the air as I watched 35 pairs of ghostly green eyes appear before me. Quickly realizing that this was just a herd of elk making their way across the tundra, I gave a cordial “hey elk, heyooo elk” and shimmied on past them.
Finally, I was able to make the mile-long scramble up the boulder-filled mountainside, catching my breath after every few steps. For what seemed like 8 false peaks, I eventually found myself sitting on the top with 15 minutes to spare. I spent the next hour taking pictures before heavy winds got the better of my conscious and I made my way down to the car. You may be thinking the green light you see in the sky is the aurora borealis. I initially thought that as well, but after doing some research, I found that this effect is called “airglow”. It is a layer of nighttime light emissions caused by chemical reactions high in Earth’s atmosphere. These green lights are so dim that the naked eye cannot perceive them, but when taking long exposures, sometimes they are revealed.
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
f/2.8 | 30s | 12mm | ISO 4000
After visiting this location for sunrise about three years ago, I knew I had to return to capture the Milky Way. At 13,281’, Mt. Lady Washington provides a perfect view of the face of Longs Peak (14,259’), the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doing extensive research and using some night sky augmented reality, I found that the Milky Way lines up in the perfect spot, one week every year. As the date drew nearer, I made sure to check the moon cycle to see if any extra light may be obscuring the view of the sky. Fortunately, the moon would not be an issue and I began preparing for the trip. Leaving the trailhead at 9:30 pm, I began the 12-mile journey, hoping to reach the peak before 1 am or when the Milky Way would be in the perfect location. Hiking with urgency I made my way through the woods and eventually out into the vast expanse above tree line. Not a soul in sight, I had the mountain to myself…or so I thought. I nearly jumped a mile in the air as I watched 35 pairs of ghostly green eyes appear before me. Quickly realizing that this was just a herd of elk making their way across the tundra, I gave a cordial “hey elk, heyooo elk” and shimmied on past them.
Finally, I was able to make the mile-long scramble up the boulder-filled mountainside, catching my breath after every few steps. For what seemed like 8 false peaks, I eventually found myself sitting on the top with 15 minutes to spare. I spent the next hour taking pictures before heavy winds got the better of my conscious and I made my way down to the car. You may be thinking the green light you see in the sky is the aurora borealis. I initially thought that as well, but after doing some research, I found that this effect is called “airglow”. It is a layer of nighttime light emissions caused by chemical reactions high in Earth’s atmosphere. These green lights are so dim that the naked eye cannot perceive them, but when taking long exposures, sometimes they are revealed.
Custom sizing available, click here to receive your quote.
Print Only
Print Only is by far the cheapest way to have your selection printed. I use the highest quality photo paper with a semi-gloss scratch-resistant finish and UV protectant spray. Each print is signed and numbered on the back and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Canvas Wrap
Price increase - $
Canvas wraps are a popular way to have images displayed. Not only does it give the image pop, but it also adds a unique canvas texture that makes the image look like a work of art. In this format, the image is directly printed on a canvas that is then stretched over a wooden frame. The edges of the image are mirrored onto the sides of the canvas, so no part of the image is lost in the wrap. It comes ready to mount with a French cleat hanging system.
Professional Mount
Only available in 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20, these images come ready to hang or frame. They are composed of the image mounted to a thin piece of wood with a beveled edge that is then attached to a mat board. This product also includes an image description and artist information printed on the back. (No hanging system included)
Metal Print
Price increase - $$$
This format features a dye-sublimation ink transfer to a 1/16” sheet of aluminum. Printing in this style adds extra depth, clarity, and richness of color to the print. It also adds a super gloss finish to the image that makes it stand out when viewed from any angle.
The product comes ready to hang with a concealed French cleat hanger to give a floating effect when mounted on a wall.
Wood Mount
Price increase - $
In this format, the image is printed on the highest-quality photo paper with a UV protecting semi-gloss finish. The image is then mounted to a 3/8” thick piece of wood that is beveled on the edges. It is finished off with being attached to a 3/4” thick hidden French cleat hanging system. This format gives the art dimension as it makes it look like the photo is floating off the wall.