Mary Ann Carrasco
October 2026 - Milky Way
Original
About the Image(s)
Taken with Nikon Z9, 14-24 lens at 14mm, f/2.8, ISO 1000, 10 sec
A group went to Union Valley Reservoir which is northeast of Sacramento in the Sierra. There is still ambient light there that you can see on the right side of the photograph. I took this with my new lens and wanted to use a low ISO so the original is very dark. Using camera raw and photoshop I was able to bring out the milky way and lighten the foreground. I look forward to your comments.
11 comments posted
MaryAnn
You were able to get a nice shot of the milky way core. Unfortunately, there are not many places left where we can capture night images without light pollution; however, you were likely in a bortle 2 or 3 area. You captured some nice air glow at the horizon. Posted: 10/05/2026 01:32:35
You were able to get a nice shot of the milky way core. Unfortunately, there are not many places left where we can capture night images without light pollution; however, you were likely in a bortle 2 or 3 area. You captured some nice air glow at the horizon. Posted: 10/05/2026 01:32:35
Thank you, Cindy. I was happy to capture the horse! Posted: 10/15/2026 23:56:31
Mary Ann, beautiful photo. Great composition. I really like the trees on the left that frame the photo and draw your eyes to the middle. (Not that you needed the trees to do that.) As I said to Cindy, the astrophotography in this group makes me curious to try. I especially have noticed that it does not appear that you need special lenses. Just a lot of patience and knowing where the startr are going to be. Beautiful work. Posted: 10/08/2026 02:39:36
Andres, I have only tried this a very few times when invited by friends that know what they are doing! I always have to relook up settings/prep before each outing but it is always fun. I figure just seeing the milky way is a great evening. Posted: 10/15/2026 23:58:16
Mary Ann, I like how you've clearly captured the Milky Way and included the lake in the foreground. Your camera settings worked well to pick up the stars and Milky Way. What time was it when you took your photo?
Nice job with editing to display the colors of the Milky Way. Your skills with night photography have grown, Mary Ann. Posted: 10/10/2026 20:09:46
Nice job with editing to display the colors of the Milky Way. Your skills with night photography have grown, Mary Ann. Posted: 10/10/2026 20:09:46
Ruth, this was taken just a few weeks ago so the milky way was out fairly early. I think we were taking images 9:00 - 9:30. Since I am not a night owl, that works for me! I have been out with friends much later earlier in the season and that is an effort for me! Posted: 10/15/2026 23:59:55
9:00-9:30 is earlier than I thought. That's my type of night photography, when you don't have to stay up late. Posted: 10/23/2026 23:38:36
Mary Ann, nice job catching the Milky Way. Glad that you're enjoying the new lens. You and Cindy are inspiring me to try astrophotography sometime Posted: 10/11/2026 22:19:06
Thank you, Robert. It is fun to do/try! Just seeing the milky way and being out in nature far from it all is so nice. Posted: 10/16/2026 00:00:45
Thanks Mary Ann. Was in SF last week and shooting with my new 28-400. Hope to get the images processed before the end of the month Posted: 10/16/2026 01:34:40
Hi Mary Ann,
Very nice image of the milky way! Your process of turning what is often visibly nothing into something beautiful is well done. The stream of billions of stars that arch across the night sky is amazing to me. The silhouetted trees on the left and the concrete border of the lake anchor the composition of night scene. Well done! Posted: 10/23/2026 04:57:51
Very nice image of the milky way! Your process of turning what is often visibly nothing into something beautiful is well done. The stream of billions of stars that arch across the night sky is amazing to me. The silhouetted trees on the left and the concrete border of the lake anchor the composition of night scene. Well done! Posted: 10/23/2026 04:57:51