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My astrophotography journey over the past year led to the incredible milestone of being shortlisted in the New Zealand Astro Competition. From mastering a star tracker to upgrading to an astro-modified camera, this recognition validated countless hours of learning and capturing the night sky's beauty.
This past year has been an incredible journey for my astrophotography, and one of the highlights was having my images shortlisted in the New Zealand Astro Competition. It’s surreal to reflect on how far I’ve come, especially considering that just a year ago, I was still learning the basics of capturing the night sky. Here's the story of how it all came together.
The journey began in January when I invested in a star tracker. It was a game-changer, allowing me to take longer exposures and capture more detail in the night sky. But the process wasn’t without its challenges. I struggled with getting the polar alignment right and understanding the nuances of post-processing to bring out the vibrant colors and details hidden in the data.
After months of experimenting and learning, I decided to upgrade to an astro-modified camera. This was a pivotal moment for me. The enhanced sensitivity to hydrogen-alpha light allowed me to capture the vivid reds of nebulae and other deep-sky objects, bringing a whole new dimension to my images.
A huge part of my growth came from the amazing astrophotography community. Following talented friends on Instagram and engaging with fellow enthusiasts inspired me to push my boundaries. Their tips, feedback, and encouragement played a big role in refining my skills.
When the New Zealand Astro Competition opened for submissions, I knew I had to give it a shot. I carefully selected my best images, ensuring they showcased a balance of technical skill and artistic vision. The judging criteria were tough, focusing on creativity, composition, and technical excellence, but I felt confident in the progress I had made throughout the year.
When I seen the video informing me that my images had been shortlisted, I was over the moon. It was a validation of all the hard work, late nights, and countless hours spent under the stars. Being recognized alongside some of New Zealand’s most talented astrophotographers was an honor I’ll never forget.
Well - have a look!
This experience has fueled my passion for astrophotography even more. As I look ahead to the new season, I’m excited to continue pushing my limits, exploring new techniques, and capturing the beauty of the night sky. Who knows what’s next? Maybe another competition or even a new project to share with the world.
If you’re just starting your astrophotography journey, my advice is to stay curious, keep experimenting, and never stop learning. The night sky has endless stories to tell—you just need to find your way of capturing them.
Thanks for following along on this journey. Clear skies, and happy shooting!
