Photographing the Night Sky

Submitted by Keith Bridgman

This season club members have enjoyed several crisp and clear night skies while photographing the wonders of the celestial realm. Most of what we do revolves around basic concepts and the results have been rather exciting with some very good quality images created by first timers.

A year or so ago on my personal blog site called Beyond the Campfire, I wrote a three part series about breaking into astrophotography. Although they are relatively brief explanations on the subject, combined they are much too long to include on this page...so...if you are interested in learning more about the subject I've included the links to those posts below.

https://beyondthecampfirebykeith.blogspot.com/2018/07/breaking-into-astrophotography-how-to.html

https://beyondthecampfirebykeith.blogspot.com/2018/07/breaking-into-astrophotography-part-2.html

https://beyondthecampfirebykeith.blogspot.com/2018/07/breaking-into-astrophotography-part-3.html

Photographing the night sky is a fascinating and exciting form of photography that believe it or not is relatively simple to break into. Right now, we are in the peak of the season with the Milky Way rising high and bright in the evening hours.

I encourage the club members to consider exploring this fascinating challenge as we begin to evolve away from the basics into more complex compositions and techniques. We always have a great time under the night sky..come join us...I do believe you will learn a great deal not only about a compelling form of photography, but about the wonders of the night sky as well.

Sunny Sixteen Will Host a "Photographers' Jamboree" in October

This coming October 19th as the fall weather moderates and temperatures begin to cool Sunny Sixteen will be hosting the first ever "Photographers Jamboree" at Basil Griffin Park on Three Springs Road in Bowling Green.

Currently in the planning stages with more details to come into focus, the planned activities include a variety of photographic opportunities which includes Environmental Portraits with models, Nature Photography, Macro Photography, and sessions on Creative Lighting.

Environmental Portraits will be lead by Erin Denny who owns and operates The Studio on Main Photography Studio. Several Models will be available as she leads sessions on how to capture amazing portraits on location.

Nature Photography will be available around the park for individuals and Julie Barrick will lead sessions on the subject. There are all kinds of birds including waterfowl in the area, along with other scenic variations such as wooden bridges, flowers, fall colors, and of course the lake area.






Macro Photography is perhaps the most unusual type of photography being offered as there will be several tables setup for exploring this fascinating form of creative photography. Sheila Reeves will lead several sessions on the subject.

 Creative Lighting  will be discussed and demonstrated. Within the park you will find the Aviation Heritage Park where several vintage military aircraft are displayed. As part of the Creative Lighting element of the Jamboree, Keith Bridgman will discuss how to capture these amazing aircraft using speed lights and special lighting adaptations. He will also demonstrate some post processing techniques on how to blend these images into a finished product.



Volunteers from the club will be helping out with the various venues and operations being planned as many photographers from around the area will converge for a great day of photography and the sharing of ideas and common interests. Plan on joining us as we explore the world of photography.

Josh Morson Guest Speaker

Josh Morson who once worked for Mossy Oak as a videographer was the guest speaker at the July 9th Club meeting. He spoke about his exploits as a videographer and how his hunting skills came into play in being able to capture the footage required for his job.

The overall theme of his presentation was how to get in close to wildlife by using the skills acquired through many years of hunting and the use of concealment to allow for those often difficult photographic moments. It certainly was an interesting presentation that looked at photography not so much from photographic skills, but how to use outdoor skills in pursuit of elusive wildlife.

He also told stories of some interesting moments he encountered while afield...some laughable, some downright scary, especially the one about the rattlesnake. Many thanks to Josh for an enjoyable evening.

As a followup on the theme of concealment, check out the video from "Wild Photo Adventures" with Doug Gardner. It is a great video about using concealment in the pursuit of wildlife photographic moments.