First Published 12th August 2018
Took a little trip out to Spain a few months back. Didn’t really do much but relax, but one morning i was up at about 3am. I don’t sleep well in the heat.
What else to do at 3am, but go and shoot some stars and landscapes.
I had a location in mind, and a route to that location. I had a very good idea of what i wanted the finished images to look like.
On the way to my location i decided to start dialling in the lens.
This was a back road through part of the national park. Very quiet and dark even though it was 50 yards from the front.
Every so often their was a walkway to the beach.
The last bit up to the harbour, i did kick off the shoes and walked across the beach for the last 200 or so metres. Those distant lights are where i walked from.
On the harbour pier i was happy that there were people there already. quite a few fishermen already casting out. Stopped to have a little chat and see what they were catching. This shot was a little later to catch the silhouette at sunrise.
The Lighthouse at the pier head.
Selfie time. This took a couple of shots. I was attempting a trail as well, so ran to position on the second 30 second exposure, and ended up standing there for about 5 minutes. Taking the sights in and the gorgeous sunrise. It was a bit difficult balancing the sunrise, distant street lights and the night sky. making sure parts weren’t blown out and still keeping some good detail.
Facing into the harbour. Catching one of the early morning fishermen on their way out.
Towards the sunrise.
Just taking it all in.
The stars have all but gone, even on a long exposure. Still a great view.
Fishing is a big thing up here. When i got here at about 3:30am, the guys all up the pier were already reeling in catches.
Before walking up the pier i thought i’d shoot a bit further back. This lifeguard lookout looked pretty cool pointing towards the heavens.
Thought i’d start walking back. A full day of swimming in the sea was in front of me, so needed a few hours shuteye.
The Lifeguard Lookout from a bit closer up.
Love the shape of the waves with a semi-long exposure.
The local wildlife starting to get up and start the day. I wish i took my long lens with me, as there was a huge amount of great birds down at the harbour in the day.
This was a couple of days later. This was right outside where we were staying, and the localised light pollution is very apparent.
Also had to bin the remote here unfortunately. It had been battered for over a year and the cable just stopped working. For the price, it had a good innings.
Under the umbrellas. A must in the day for me!
After this i was a little sleep deprived, so went straight back to bed for a few hours. Not so much, as the beach and waves were calling my name!.
If your ever out this sort of way, the milky way is fairly prominent in the right spots. the people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful and there’s lots to do. It is somewhere i want to go again and work at doing some other shots. I really want to get up to the fort and into the mountains as well.
Just a few of the bits i used to take these photos.
I use pretty simple kit to take these photos. I minimised what i took on the flight. Just enough for some stargazing shots.
The body i use is a full frame D750, which is a fantastic and robust unit.
The Samyang 14mm Lens is pretty Awesome. As soon as you’ve dialled in for the session, your pretty much ready to go.
This Tripod is Lightweight and goes into a travel bag with no issues. It is pretty solid, and easy to operate in the dark
A Shutter Release is always a good idea. Even with internal timers, you have at least, hands off the camera.
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About Me
I’m Gareth, a 38 year old IT contractor, Photographer, Eternal Optimist and Blogger. I have been behind a camera for about 4 years now and love shooting the stars, and anything else for that matter. Learning is the main aim for me.
I am a family man, and strive to be the best i can be in all fields that i put my mind and heart to.