Milky Way Photography Great Fun - Grampians Road Trip

[@simonharding5696]

Great video. The image of the large rock with the Milky Way core behind is an absolute stunner!! I think that's one of my favourites. Thanks again for the excellent content, sir!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're always very welcome Simon.

[@aaroncherrie6229]

Great images as always….Don’t know what I’m more jealous of Mr Tatti getting to shoot with yourself or the Z6iii 😂 looking forward to hearing your thoughts using the z6iii for Nightscapes

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

The Z6iii looks pretty good so far. More testing required.

[@dennisblack4444]

Very nice Richard, the images are amazing, Luke's mirror reflection was awesome. Great to see Geoff in the video 👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Dennis. Yes I've been catching up with these boys every year for a while now. This was probably the best conditions we've ever had.

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Thanks Dennis, We had a great time with good friends and clear skies! What more could you want for? 😁😁

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great video and some wonderful images - really liked the big boulder shots and using the mirror was very clever! Thanks for sharing Richard!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Always appreciate your comments Darrel.

[@inefekt]

stunning location, great video and superb images....looked like a great night 🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes it sure was a great night. Always enjoy catching up with these guys.

[@paulflatt1518]

Well done, Interesting effect with the mirror. Always fun to try something new.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes it was a great idea by Luke to try that mirror shot.

[@Javier-zm7vl]

beautiful captures friend Richard great job on video Congratulations, you missed the tea and cookies😁 Greetings my friend

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

We did have some tea and cookies in the car .. !!!

[@mikebartow9415]

That was great! I am really impressed with the mirror idea and outcome!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Mike. Yes the mirror idea worked a treat.

[@tedk2814]

Great idea Luke with the mirror image!! Thanks to you all from Sebastian, Florida.......not too cold here

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for tuning in Sebastian.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

I'm glad you decided to fill your bucket with some creative therapy, with friends too.... Even better! Great results, as usual. Any chance you could post some of those clear skies to the UK at all lol😂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, I know a few people from your part of the world that would like that as well Suzie ..!!!

[@toddy4x4photography]

Few interesting takes on astro here. Good to see some innovation. Beaut clear skies. So good.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for checking it out Toddy

[@julieclark5779]

What a great way to spend a night photographing with friends. It must of been cold Ballie not wearing shorts🤣 I’m jealous of the clear sky, SA is only giving me cloud and rain a☹️

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, yes it was pretty cold. Baillie must be getting older . .as he does love to wear the shorts Julie ..!!!

[@ericwilkes1840]

Looks like a fun trip with a creative bunch of guys, brilliant. Now if only the clouds would go away here in SA 😂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I think your clouds are heading this way Eric ..!!!!

[@GPPhotography1]

Another great video and it remembers me of a vacation full of good memories back in 2006. I recently got my Z 20mm 1.8, a Z 35mm 1.8 will follow and be a lighter addition to my prime Zeiss lenses from the days shooting with DSLRs. Can't wait to test them in the field - but clouds are currently more of the theme in our area.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Peter. Hope the clouds clear for you soon.

[@bineshkapali]

Thank you for the amazing video and content. I enjoyed it full

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased to hear that Binesh.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

A great episode Richard, good company and excellent images. Your composition of the huge boulder rock comparing the Z6iii and Z6ii modified, was by far the best image IMO, a wonderful composition. Cheers, Robert.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks Robert. Yes I loved that large rock.

[@gavinheppenstall766]

Another great video, clear skies 🖖

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Very kind of you Gavin.

[@hartcityparanormal115]

Another excellent video, Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching my friend.

[@keithmahoney494]

Great video as usual Richard. Great weather so I'm Sorry I didn't come down this year, nice to see Geoffrey got a starring role.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Keith. The weather was a lot better than last year.

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Just a co-starring role Keith along with Richard, Baillie & Luke. We had fantastic skies this year! 👌👍😎

[@tonyw3250]

I knew that was a Morris 1100 just by looking at the thumbnail. Great video, I liked the last image the best, the landscape rock. Must be a challenge in itself trying to do nightscape with multiple people around.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Tony. We tried to keep out of each others way on this night.

[@StarScaperPhoto]

Great to see you being out with a couple of astro buddies having a good time! For me, shooting with friends makes a night even more special. And boy, did you get those 'classic Australian rural skies' a couple of spots higher on my bucketlist again. Fantastic results! Looking forward to your next adventure out there. Always a highlight of the week.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Jeroen. Well you are leading the way with your great videos including fellow nightscape shooters under the stars my friend.

[@kerrykroberts7809]

Hi Richard! Looks like you all had a great time

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

We sure did Kerry. Thanks for looking.

[@aniquewaseem6259]

What an awesome presentation. Most beautiful astrophotography of 2024. Very well done Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Very kind of you, thanks for watching.

[@robertleeimages]

My latest last Friday night was an old FX/FJ Holden, and the red in the 1st 3rd of the sky above the horizon was so intense I actually had to reduce the red slider in post. My 1st paddock bomb was a morris like that, I've seen daytime images of it and often wondered if it lined up. As always an excellent presentation and cool subjects 👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Rob. Yes it seems a lot of people have photographed this old car on the rock .. but it's really hidden away so I'm not sure how they all found it ..!!!

[@patrickleroy3284]

Merci pour ces belles images du ciel ! Bon ciel les gars !

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for your kind comments Patrick.

[@GARY1951A]

Another great video, Richard! Incredible images!! I liked the use of the mirror reflecting the milky way - very creative!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Gary. Yes the boys did a great job with the mirror.

[@mariopereira8261]

Beautiful photos, beautiful compositions, excellent video as always, this Astralian night sky is fabulous, how envious I am of this sky Richard The Nikon Z 6 III promises.! Thanks Richard😀👏👏👏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you Mario. Yes we have wonderful dark and clear skies here in Australia.

[@treeman3663]

Hi Richard new night new composition new subjects and some gr8 company too many rum balls exo video 📹 have a gr8 week under the stars

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

No rum balls on this trip but we did have some hot drinks and snacks in the car.

[@abroomby]

Well done, some great foreground images to shoot and doing it with a couple of mates always adds to the night. Look forward to seeing more of the images.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for checking it out Al. More adventures to come.

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Awesome pictures.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate you tuning in to watch.

[@JerryDell-j3s]

Looks like you are well on your way on another fantastic road trip Richard! Enjoy the adventure and thank you for the beautiful photos! Take care, Jerry

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Always appreciated Jerry, thank you.

[@kw8147]

Richard - super video and a great thing to do in getting out with some like minded folks, sharing ideas and tips and most importantly having a great time under the stars👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes we had a wonderful night out there. Thanks for watching.

[@nightscapejournals]

Superb location, great company and fantastic images, Richard. What a night! Thanks for sharing - thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for your kind comments Paul. Really appreciated mate.

[@aaronsharpe838]

Absolutely love your images - wish I could get just somewhat slightly close to what u do 🙏👍😂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Aaron. It just takes time and practice. Enjoy the journey .. it's worth it.

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Great to get away for a while with good company, liked Luke's mirror shot, looks like you all had a great time. I'm of cam0ing next month goomburra qld

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Phillip. I hope your trip goes well.

[@Light_hunter-gatherer]

Very nice, indeed. Having some fun with friends under the stars, priceless. And great shots, specially that landscape one among rocks. Beautiful 👏🏽

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I very much appreciate you watching Rodrigo.

[@angelogarciajr5356]

That was awesome. I wish I had a fun group like that.Very cool.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Angelo

[@angelogarciajr5356]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for all the tips. I am fairly new at MWays.I guess I am a milky way chaser too.

[@greggorter]

Great work fellas! Fantastic location 👍 another awesome video Richard 😊👌

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks indeed Greg.

[@peterkennington1043]

Good to see you out and about again Richard, love your videos and images as always.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Really appreciate you tuning in Peter

[@ViratShah]

NIce one Richard and good to see the boys in action.. looking forward to more

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Virat .. we are trying to keep up with you and Greg ..!!!

[@rj66600]

Looked like great fun in an amazing place. Great job!!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching RJ

[@Hedgehogpeter1]

Nice meeting,mirrorless nevertheless with mirror 🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, yes indeed. Thanks for watching Peter.

[@lesladbrook4508]

Love it as usual Richard 🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Always appreciate you watching Les.

[@rogeriopeccioli1616]

Thanks for another fantastic video Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I appreciate you watching Rogerio.

[@JasonLorette]

Great video...I see you got yourself a Z6III! I just got mine a couple of weeks ago, I can't wait to go shoot the sky with it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Jason. Yes it's going well. More testing happening as we speak.

[@dhg1960]

Hi Richard, I loved the intro. The scenary there looks beautiful. I am always amazed at the weather there, it is not how I envisaged it ( I think of Australia as hot and sunny ). I was also amazed by that old car. In Europe you just wouldn't find anything like this, it would be removed within weeks. Your shooting in a group reminded me of something similar I did with my photoclub. On the one hand the company is nice but it is difficult to coordinate lighting so as not to disturb the others. I loved the idea with the mirror, I have never seen anything like it. It would be interesting to hear your detailed comments on a comparison of the z6 1,2&3 for Astro work. I had both the 1&2 and found them to be super. The z8 is much better in terms of setup, focusing and handling ( like lit buttons and settngs bank ) but I thing the image quality from the z6 is better ( unprocessed ).

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks again for watching David. I prefer shooting by myself in most situations but it was great to catch up with these guys. The mirror was Luke's idea. I have loved all the Z6 variants for nightscape shooting. Still testing the Z6iii

[@abhayrege8509]

inspiring work

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@johncarter591]

Great to see you with friends enjoying your time together! Love the idea of the mirror Something different? I've tried a Lens ball once but had trouble focusing on the image from the ball

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes Luke was pretty keen to try the mirror .. haven't tried a lens ball but I have seen others do good things with them.

[@petergrant9848]

Great video Richard. Thanks. I’ll wait for your review of the Z6iii before I make my decision. I’m a bit concerned about reports of less dynamic range than the Z6ii though. I was hoping for illuminated buttons too!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm not too worried about the reports of reduced dynamic range. So far I like it but I would say for nightscape photography there is no advantage image quality wise between it and the Z6ii. But for general photography it's much better. And of course for video.

[@andreaboyle9435]

What fun! I met Geoff last year at the Nightscaper Conference in Kanab, Utah. As I recall he came away from that event with a lot of free prizes! Nice guy, and I'm sure the rest of the guys are too.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Andrea. He didn't tell me about the prizes ..!!!

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Hi Andrea, It was fun on the shoot and great to hear from you. I did win a back pack at the Conference because I travelled the furthest to get there. Any excuse will do! 😎😁👍

[@andreaboyle9435]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yeah, and he didn't offer any to me to hold for him in the US either!! 😆

[@andreaboyle9435]

@@geoffsharpe6456 I loved meeting you at the Nightscaper Conference and try to keep up with your postings and adventures... Your images are stellar, my friend!!

[@geoffsharpe6456]

@andreaboyle9435 Thanks Andrea, much appreciated. I'll be in Borrego Springs, California for the first week of September, in 30 days time. Come on down and join me 😀

[@carlreid4161]

Good to see your annual catch-up with Geoff, Bailey and Luke a good spot for a nights Astro. The huge boulder was like the bow of a ship that was a great image. A first too haven’t seen an image shot at f/8 Richard was that because of light painting and leaving the torch on longer as it looked tricky ground?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Carl. I used f8 mainly to increase the depth of field as the tree branch was very close.

[@carlreid4161]

@@nightscapeimages.richard ah I thought it was to cut down the light 👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@carlreid4161 It will do that but that's not the reason I chose it that night.

[@carlreid4161]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks mate you out tonight?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@carlreid4161 No not tonight

[@weatherandsky]

Nice video and great results!!! It was very nice to also see my buddy Geoff in the video! :D

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Kerry, yes it's always great to catch up with Geoff.

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Hi Kerry-Ann, It's always nice to hear from you and catch up. We all had a great time with crystal clear skies and some wonderful images resulted. Really good to be out with Richard, Baillie and Luke 😁👍😎

[@weatherandsky]

Really glad you guys get out to do this trip every year. Australia has such diverse scenery. I really enjoyed the Grampians when I was there back in 2019 I think.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@weatherandsky Yes it's a trip I always look forward to Kerry-Ann

[@GrowPhotography]

Wow, a initially did a double take as those opening scenes could almost have been the Stirling Ranges in southern WA 😅. Looks like a fun night out trying some interesting compositions. Will be interesting to hear your opinion on the z6iii - I'm holding off pulling the trigger for now but it's still in my sights.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Greg. Yes the Grampians are wonderful and quite unique here in Victoria. The Z6iii is good but so far I'm not noticing any great advantage image wise over the Z6ii. The things that are different are the flip out screen and the "Starlight" mode, which is the same as Sony's Bright Monitoring. This has been on the Z8 and Z9 from the beginning .. oh, and also the Zf. But to be honest I think the main improvements on the Z6iii are auto focus and video modes . .neither of which make any difference to nightscape shooting.

[@paultrunfull3324]

Nice one Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for tuning in Paul.

[@tonyla22]

parádní snímky ,příjemné prostředí 👍👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@MrPercursor]

I like it very much.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you for watching.

[@wmclt5588]

I would love to see a video on how you edited the stack sky and foreground shots

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. I have many videos showing that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKqWeIxmZp6df5Y and this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaa7eYejrMiUfK8

[@alandyer910]

What? No tea and rum balls all round?😅 I look forward to your assessment of the Z6III. I just got one and am putting it through its paces. I’m quite impressed but have found, as reviewers have noted, that it can’t be underexposed as much as previous cameras and still hope to recover shadow detail cleanly. To make its sensor fast reading for video and auto focus improvements, Nikon have sacrificed some dynamic range. I’ll be interested in any side by side tests you can do with the Z6II or even the Z6. Cheers!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Alan. Yes I think all the latest Nikon offerings have enhanced the video capabilities more then the photo side of things. I haven't had too much trouble with my images yet but the testing continues.

[@stephenmuller5098]

Makes me want to get out, but lots of cloud cover lately.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's always a problem Stephen.

[@MSACoachMike]

Ok - I’m not sure that I’ve watched one of your films where you did multiple sky and multiple foreground images and stacked them. Have you done an episode where you describe that workflow in post production? Is the purpose to make the stars brighter, reduce the noise or a combination of both? Thanks so much for another informative film, Richard!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I have done this many times in the past Mike. The sky shots are stacked for noise reduction but the foreground light painted shots are blended. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaa7eYejrMiUfK8

[@MSACoachMike]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Perfect - I will study your technique in the coming days. Thanks for the reply!

[@leonfisher]

Great episode. How did your subject car end up at that location? Luke's photo made me think of a David Bowman quote, "It's full of stars!"

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I have no idea how the car came to be perched up on that rock ... but I think it's been there for a while.

[@etienneswart8700]

Would be great to see you review the Z6iii for astrophotography. You helped me not waste my money on the Nikon ZF 🎉

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I'll be doing a video about the Z6iii but I need to do more testing.

[@francisbuckley3539]

Nice watching your video Richard, how did you manage with a group of four to get the light painting you wanted? I was out with my mate Mick, just two of us, and it's not easy to avoid unwanted light from someone else.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

We did separate a fair bit as the night progressed Francis. The hardest part is doing panoramas next to others.

[@davidletz9123]

Great content as usual, Richard. What compelled you to purchase the Z6iii?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Good question David. Maybe because it was about time for my upgrade schedule.

[@JasonNgPhotography]

Excellent. How are you finding the Z6iii? I use version one and am considering upgrading to it and your shot in the video is the first I have seen as an example of its astro capability.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

It's pretty good Jason. Mostly the same as the Z6ii. A few differences which I'll go into in a future video.

[@RobGaleSpecialVideos]

Really enjoy your road trips Richard. Are you going to get a Z6iii modified?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Rob. I'm not planning to do that at this stage.

[@RaySweeting]

Hey Richard, what can you tell about the low light capabilities of the Zii vs Ziii

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well I'm still testing. I haven't seen a lot of difference at this stage.

[@KGi4]

I know you are Nikon z6ii shooter. I wonder what's your opinion on new z6iii model? Worth to grab it with all upgrades over z6ii? Thank you in Advance 🙌

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I will be doing a deeper dive into the Z6iii but at this stage I think it's a really good option for an all round camera. Regarding nightscape photography the Z6ii is just as good.

[@robertdoebler1048]

Do you "'polsr align" your tracker?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I always polar align my tracker. See this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3XCn2mQqdiNatE

[@南十字星空下]

Hi Where are the car and the rock located? Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

They are on a private farm in Western Victoria

[@robertdoebler1048]

Oops, that was supposed to be "polar"

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's ok.