In the heart of June 2021, amid a three-week epic adventure that unfolded like pages from my ‘Life List,’ I found myself on the precipice of a dream. One item on my list, a desire etched into my soul, was to capture the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way.
Alabama’s city lights dimmed the celestial canvas, so I waited for the perfect opportunity during our travels. As our adventure neared its close, the elusive weather conditions finally aligned on the night of June 17, 2021. It was time to chase the Milky Way.
My ever-supportive sidekick, Terri Courington, willingly joined me on this starlit escapade. In the dead of night, perched on the edge of a cliff in the Badlands National Forest, we embraced the darkness for the sake of art. Terri, ignoring the late hour and our need for rest, stood by my side.
With the ink-black sky as our backdrop, I aimed to immortalize the cosmic masterpiece above. This marked my first true attempt at capturing the Milky Way. The photo might not grace magazine spreads or receive accolades, but to me, it was a triumph. A triumph of progress, of chasing dreams in the quiet moments of the night.
There was still work to be done, techniques to refine, but in that moment, it was a celebration of a wonderful first. Photography, to me, is not just about the grand victories but the journey of attempting, learning, and growing. Whether small or grand, I’ll embrace each win that comes my way.
Note: The photo from that night, a testament to persistence and passion, will find its place on my website, a small but cherished victory in my photographic odyssey.
