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Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky, with the Orion Nebula (M42) as its brightest feature—a favorite target for astrophotographers. In the Northern Hemisphere, Orion is a classic winter object, but in the Southern Hemisphere, it graces our summer skies.
Inspired by friends up north capturing Orion in cold, snowy landscapes, I wanted to photograph it against a uniquely New Zealand setting. This led me to Fiordland, home to some of the darkest skies in the country.
The image showcases the Orion Nebula rising over the stunning Lake Manapouri, framed by the rugged Fiordland mountains. A bench with a lantern in the foreground adds a peaceful, human element to the composition.
Interesting Fact: Fiordland is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, making it an astrophotography paradise.
This trip to Fiordland was primarily a getaway with my wife, but I planned for astrophotography if the weather allowed. Using Google Maps, Stellarium, and Windy, I scouted my location and determined Orion’s alignment.
The forecast didn’t look promising, with rain dominating the first day. However, I stayed hopeful, knowing that Fiordland’s rapidly changing weather could open a small window of opportunity.
We spent our time exploring Manapouri, the gateway to Doubtful Sound, and even spotted small dolphins during a cruise—a rare and unforgettable experience. On the second night, a brief clear sky window appeared, lasting just a couple of hours. With such pristine darkness surrounding Lake Manapouri, I knew I had to act fast.
I framed my shot featuring a lakeside bench with a lantern, with the Orion Nebula glowing above the Fiordland mountains. I experimented with a few compositions but ultimately stuck with my original vision.
Environmental Challenges
RGB Sky:
HA Sky:
This image introduced me to a new processing workflow: HARGB blending. This technique enhances nebula details by integrating HA data into the red channel of the RGB image.
This is easily my best HA image yet. The enhanced HA regions reveal intricate structures in the Orion Nebula that my standard astro-modified camera alone couldn’t capture. Seeing the final result, I was amazed at how much additional detail the filter provided.
The composition turned out exactly as I envisioned—a peaceful lakeside scene with Orion rising majestically above Fiordland’s rugged peaks.
Settings:
Processing Software:
Post-processing Technique:
Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s best locations for astrophotography, and this trip confirmed that I need to return for more. The skies here are incredibly dark, and the landscapes provide endless creative possibilities.
On the way back to Wellington, I also visited several lighthouses—potential future locations for Milky Way photography later this year. But I’ll leave that as a surprise for now!
Would I do anything differently? Not really. The planning, execution, and post-processing all came together perfectly, and I’m incredibly proud of this image.
As an experienced photographer and creator, I’ll personally guide you through every step of the process—ensuring you leave inspired, confident, and equipped with the skills to create something amazing.
