This was the first ‘real’ astro shoot for 2017, not to mention the first ‘real’ shoot with the new Nikon D810. Now, when I say ‘real’ – I mean planned travel away from home with the specific intent to take photos of the incredible Milky Way. Let’s just say, it did not disappoint!

• • Once we found a spot to camp at the fabulous Gumridge Campground I set about finding spots to setup my two cameras. I decided on the old dead trees for my old camera setup and initiated a time-lapse sequence. That sequence was shot over 3.5 hours which I was able to then turn into my first ever startrail time-lapse. I do love the effect.

    While the time-lapse was snapping away, I set off to shoot with the new D810. I just have to say – damn I am in love with it. Such incredible crispness to the shots that I am not really used to – excited for the things to come! Anyway back to the story… took a bunch of shots and by midnight, after battling with a fogging lens I decided to get some rest.

    A few cups of peppermint tea, and some cheeky sugar-free chocolate later and it was time to sleep. Cuddled up in the back of the Nissan Patrol, I set the alarm for 4.30am in hopes of catching the galactic core over the mountains.

    Fast forward, the alarm’s gone off. I jumped out of the car, grabbed my gear and off I popped. What was waiting for me was pure spectacular conditions. The entire valley was covered by a thick blanket of fog. It actually looks like a like in some of the shots. Snap. Snap. Snap. Caught the Milky Way core just before dawn, its colour all pink from the changing light.

    Kept shooting til after sunrise, then it was time to pack up, drive home, do the groceries and hit the hay – one very popped, very excited, very happy camper!