I tried a new type of photography.

[@TimaScribbles]

One thing I like about your channel is you don't take yourself too seriously, and you have a good sense of humour!

[@DanielHauser]

I'm a newbie photographer and it's refreshing to see a pro like Omar tackle new types of photography, especially seeing the struggles. Very relatable!

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

Nikon ought to make an ad about that drop experience! 👊

[@iprelvu]

Maybe if he wraps it with a $20 someone will pick it up

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

@iprelvu Speaking from experience when you found your Canon?

[@iprelvu]

@@myfakeguuglaccount8307 Hahahah 👍 I have x-e2s and a7iii Also was just joking I love Nikon started with Nikon FE2 which I still have and also have 35ti and l35af

[@babyboy1971]

YE$!!!!!!!

[@billwinward9324]

Those shots in the cemetery and of the brick house were brilliant.

[@grat2010]

Omar this whole video was so relatable, from dropping the camera to not being there at the right time for the photos that you wanted to take. Hey, Life happens and you have to make do with what you get sometimes. Thanks for the video.

[@ogonzilla]

Appreciate it!

[@wiewowos]

Omar, as always: I deeply admire your curiosity, your honesty, your gentle approach to the things around you. This feels so good, especially on Jan 20. Thanks!

[@TheBigT.]

Always love a new vid from Omar!

[@FrankP83]

Alyn Wallace, God bless him, was a super talented astrophotographer...if you want to start this unbelievable hobby, i encourage you to see his videos! Unfortunately he isn't anymore with us, but what he left is pure gem 😊

[@ogonzilla]

My description says…😊

[@FrankP83]

😊

[@ramboj7924]

we need a solo wild camping with Omar, a bit of photography, some cooking, campfire stories etc that would be great to watch

[@charlesoriger6548]

A series called "Omar Gone Wild"

[@bigbadjan]

Nothing creative coming to my mind. So, just thank you :) I could watch those kind of videos of yours for hours. Gorgeous imagery.

[@ogonzilla]

Wow, thank you!🙏🏽

[@JackieDElia]

I love B&H. I’ve never been to Big Bend - so thank you Omar for taking us along.

[@ratgirl13]

I like the cemetery photos best-Thanks for taking us along on your trip! 🍎.

[@MrWiseinheart]

Me too...

[@marksnellingphotography]

"was that a drone"🤣🤣🤣 nice one Omar 👍

[@ogonzilla]

NJ, baby.

[@MadeByJoey]

This is a beautiful lesson in patience and learning. Sucking at something is the first step to being kind of okay at it.

[@MoiseLevi]

Been following you for years, I see one video pop up, I immediately press the like button, I know it will be funny, full of energy, instructive, and really entertaining

[@elwirastadnik]

Giving ourself time to start, once again, from the beginning is crucial. Without judging ourselves, without comparing to others.

[@renelund8536]

Great video! As a novice astrophotographer I love to see you sharing both struggles and successes - it's so refreshing with this kind of honesty and authenticity on KZbin. It makes the whole process feel more relatable and encouraging for others getting into this challenging but rewarding hobby. What I learned so far with astrophotography, is that it takes hard work and the same amount of luck to get those amazing shots. By the way - You make me feel incredibly lucky! I just bike 2 km from my home to escape the worst light pollution… 🙏😊😅 Keep up the great work 👌👍

[@ogonzilla]

Man!! Very jealous. There’s also something wonderful about being up before the world wakes up.

[@MrSimonj1970]

Headlamp tip for astrophotographers: Sofirn HS21, way superior to most. High CRI 5000k wiiiiide flood with no PWM perfect for filming/photos, also has spotlight, mix of both or red. Rotary dial for simple switching, even with gloves on. Super-low to car-headlight power. USBC rechargeable, and not expensive at all. Regulated driver so it doesn't dim as the battery drains (rare and wonderful) Best thing I've bought in ages.

[@jgricourt]

Omar this is another great video adventure ! I am a careful listener of your wise and honest advices about photography and camera gear. Yes astrophotography is the hardest type of photography to practice. It requires knowledge, patience and motivation to stay hours alone in the freezing night ! Before even thinking about taking a picture of the night sky you should find a dark location and for that you may drive hours to get there, this is what you did. Then you should choose your time carefully, hopefully a moonless and a clear night (check the weather !) and beware of the bears and other predators in the dark. In the Northern Hemisphere, depending on your latitude, you should prefer a winter time when the night is the darkest of the year. But that's not all. The whole sky seems to be rotating around the celestial poles at a rate of 15 degrees per hours which is fast enough to see star trails instead of punctual stars after pausing only few seconds, which could be fun too ! In order to compensate for the earth's rotation, the camera should be fixed on an equatorial mount, most amateur astronomers use them for longer exposure time and better pictures in the end. But there is more, if you take many pictures of the same location of the sky, you could process them using a photo stacking software to completely remove the camera noise because you know there are more than stars up there and giant nebulas should magically appear on the photos ! In the end, you may obtain a great picture of the night sky, like the epic pictures of Yuri Beletsky ! Take care.

[@photorox]

It's one, if not the one, most beautiful genre of photography. I tried it myself 4-5 years ago and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing Omar.

[@TNrick]

Bless you for sharing your struggles. We all have them, and actually it’s our mistakes that teach the best lessons. Thanks so much for this video.

[@tc6912]

I always enjoy your videos. For what it's worth, i once put a D7200 in my backpack, forgot to zip it up, and then watched it fly across a stone parking lot as i threw the pack over my shoulder. Luckily, i had a UV filter on the lense. That was all that was damaged. I also have been attempting astrophotography. I am trying to do my best without buying a tracker. I think your shots are great. I would love to hear more details about your technique.

[@jamesclapp7433]

Thanks!

[@ogonzilla]

Wow! Thanks!

[@pietrodiwalsi5805]

One of your best videos. It was a joy to watch. Not having everything perfect and seeing your struggle with the moon was super fun. The pictures that you showed where still fantastic.thanks

[@AndreH3d]

Im an astrophotographer and I really enjoyed your video, I would encourage you to do a joint venture video with one astrophotography on KZbin on your next try. I started 3 years ago after I watched Nico Carver’s tutorial on how to shoot Andromeda with only a camera and a tripod. After that night I was hooked.

[@matthiasice]

Having grown up on the east coast and now living out in the desert, I will never take the night skies here for granted! As somebody who shoots primarily landscapes/urban/cityscapes, astrophotography intimidates me too. I need to give it a try though because I'm a complete night owl.

[@Imaging80]

There's a very clear improvement throughout this video. And, most importantly, it's fun to watch - as always. Thank you!

[@davidrosalesphotography]

Great video as usual! I can't wait to return to the Big Bend area. I did my first try at astrophotography there. Had a decent shot of the Milky Way core and as a bonus got an okay shot of the Neowise comet. RIP Alyn Wallace, a great mentor to us all. Speaking of mentors, you're a great mentor as well. Thank you and keep it going.

[@ChrisBrogan]

Hey, it's a random internet stranger who loves your work. Free advice (which means you can throw it out guilt free): instead of calling yourself an idiot, just say your name instead. It's a beautiful name. The problem with calling ourself an idiot is that we have a habit of listening. And even when it's not exactly true, we'll accidentally believe it sometimes. Instead, just say "Omar." The other kinds of words are like drinking diet coke every day. It builds up.

[@ogonzilla]

That is some really good advice!

[@thomasfransson]

Always an absolute treat when you make these types of videos.

[@Ben_Stewart]

It was astrophotography that got me into photography. Some would say I learned about taking photos the hard way but it is what started me on this journey. Seeing Andromeda through a pair of binoculars was where it all started.

[@diegoskt5]

The results are stunning 😍

[@rauljohns6005]

I like this adventure ! Nice work ! Keep going !

[@GraemeSomerville]

Omar, I found your channel a little while ago. I follow all the usual "big channel" photographers on KZbin and they all bring me a lot of joy. And then i found you....Oh that didn't sound right ;) :) Start again...I'm really glad I found your channel Omar. I thoroughly enjoy your style, humor and honesty. I take astro stuff now and again. It is difficult, scary (sometimes) and hard to film to YT. I loved your adventure. I look forward to checking out more.

[@bastian.michel]

2 minutes into the video, already pumped. What a start!

[@jimmythestoryteller]

The last picture with the old brick house--Ow, she's a brick house--and the stars is amazing!

[@KaylaIveigh]

This was super entertaining! Your personality and editing was so funny! Fun video!

[@ogonzilla]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@kavod777]

This photography feels like every time I go out….LOL. I think the photos turned out great in the end, and it will only be up from here (pun intended). It is refreshing to see honest photographers who show the real side of the art. Well done!

[@craigpowell9818]

Wonderful video Omar, thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes from France - very hard to find such clear skies here!

[@brandon_barelmann]

This was excellent, Omar. Loved this journey.

[@genem2768]

Love that shot of the little stone building at about the 13 minute mark. Don't be too disappointed about your limited success. Astrophotography is a very technical type of photography and it takes time to get even mildly good photos. I've never had much success at it.

[@SEKunkle]

I've spent two separate weeks inside BBNP, even from my north Texas burb, it's a 10+ hour drive. I've never seen stars like I did on those trips but I had no clue how to properly capture them. Despite all of your modesty and weather challenges the resulting images are really lovely. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@turkturkleton4278]

COME ON, MOON. READ THE ROOM! 😂 Love your willingness to get out there and try something new, Omar.

[@dunnymonster]

Lovely images Omar. What a fabulous location too. 👍

[@coryirvin6651]

this was great to see you try something new. thanks for posting this.

[@leeinnes7127]

What a wonderful experience you had Omar. Great video and images as always. I especially liked the cemetery photos

[@thdiniz]

Man, Omar makes me chuckle all along the video. Cheers from the Amazon region in Brazil 🇧🇷

[@hafeez3103]

Awesome video, O. Thank you for sharing this, and those last few minutes of looking at your shots were emotionally gratifying. Almost like we're there with you on this one. Cheers.

[@ogonzilla]

That means a lot to me!

[@LynneH-ej6rx]

The photos at the cemetery are stunning! Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@andyb3090]

For a first time those photos are pretty amazing Omar! And another wonderfully entertaining video too - thank you 👍

[@ogonzilla]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnlarsson4437]

This was a super fun video Omar. Your persistence paid off and you were rewarded. Pictures were certainly one reward but experience was an even bigger one.

[@BillFerris]

Hi Omar and thanks for taking us along for the ride on your night sky photography adventure. If this is something you're going to pursue further, I'll northern Arizona in the latter half of June as a destination. It'll be warm during the day (upper 80s/low 90s) and comfortable at night. The summer Milky Way will rise about 11pm and be unbothered by Luna. You'll have places like Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and other area parks & monuments to visit and use as backdrops. In Flagstaff, you could even visit Lowell Observatory and be treated to the most amazing night sky tourism experience going. Be well & stay warm 😊

[@davep6603]

Astro is tough. Helps to have a sense of humor and keep your expectations low. Once in a while you’ll come away with a keeper, as you did! Great video!

[@hyak107]

It's cool that you went to Big Bend (I live in Texas). If you decide to go back the best time for astro is April through May, better chance of clear skies and the Hades-level heat hasn't set in. June through October is monsoon and tarantula season, which is also cool but clear skies are hit and miss. There are some crazy storms during monsoon season that are awesome to photograph.

[@laurapeter3857]

Omar does Astro? Yes, please!

[@ogonzilla]

Don’t get carried away 😂

[@BoReynolds]

I LOVED what you DID get! Always SOMETHING with night photography......Always SOMETHING! But, you sure inspired me. And, you're def one of the FUNNIEST Photogs online fer sure! Ya know......cuz you're.....the OG! Bravo buddy!

[@ogonzilla]

Appreciate it, man!

[@WOJTEKPI1]

Pure pleasure! Quiet place, joy and peace. Thank you!

[@RamblinView]

Oh man, I've been on so many trips like this where I leave without a photo I'm super happy with. But you know what, you got out there and had yourself a time, so who cares. This was a fun video, thanks for taking us along!

[@mcmosaic]

Crime scene😂 Pretty good for the first time! Thanks for sharing the 'flops'. Reminds me of my first time trying Astro photography. It's definitely not for me, haha.

[@csc-photo]

So cool! There's a dark sky spot a little closer to you, out here in PA. Cherry Springs State Park. Tends to get crowded in summer and some strict rules but it's fairly close.

[@keithsandercock1412]

Loved it. Nice to know that we are not the only ones who's photo plans can go awry!

[@JamesCormier]

Dark skies - the ultimate deep sky astrophotography accessory.

[@couchumina]

I like how you are taking quiet at night like you don't want to wake everyone

[@ogonzilla]

Haha. Right? The tarantulas.

[@binksdave]

Thoroughly enjoyed that ❤

[@kenc2257]

You got some great shots! Especially like the stone house and cemetery photos. [glad you were able to recover your "lost" camera]

[@daryl0063]

You cracked me up, made me look at myself and I hope you get to a millions subs. I am subbing and thank you bud.

[@cameraz99]

Excellent video, Omar. I know it was tough, but you got some *great* shots.

[@colormind581]

That video is next level, Omar. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.

[@ogonzilla]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching

[@JamesMincey]

A little New Year's Resolution of mine has been to attempt to watch fewer videos about photo gear and more videos about PHOTOGRAPHY, and this videos like this are exactly what I need right now. Love it, and hope to see more like this from you in the future!

[@cider999]

The photos look fantastic! You had quite an adventure too 😄

[@tricamel]

Ouch. I am so pleased your camera was OK. Really enjoyed this video, it's good to see the real struggle of photography. Where was your red light?

[@ogonzilla]

I had it.

[@akalli]

Loved this whole video. You were able to capture some great astro and should be proud of them. So inspiring. That stone building! How lucky are you. Enjoyed going on the trip with you too.

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks for watching!

[@johans166]

Youre so funny😂. I love watching all your videos❤.

[@roscat_]

I grew up around Big Bend (Presidio, TX) and I visit my parents on the regular who still live in Presidio. That’s awesome you went dude!

[@josephryan5448]

Great video watching your honest experience Omar. Makes me want to try.

[@ogonzilla]

Go for it!

[@ufukkiblat]

Always fun and entertaining video from you Omar, I like everything about it and the photos turned out great. For anyone reading this, if you doing something for the first time it might be best to bring along someone who has more experience than you. Going to guided or group photography workshop is a great option too.

[@maryjanesandonato1165]

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience! Very cool!

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks for watching!

[@dpulte]

Kudos for making that considerable journey under less than ideal circumstances. Cool trick with dropping your camera off the hood - I lost a cell phone that way several years ago. Always love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@vieuxsviewsphotography]

More of these kinds of videos please!!!! It was awesome to go on this adventure with you

[@ogonzilla]

Easy to say. Tough to do 😂

[@vieuxsviewsphotography]

@ Hahaha! I bet! I’m subbed so either way, I’m watching LOL. Also, because of your comparison I got a used pristine condition Nikon Z8 this week. I got the 35 1.4 to pair with it & BOY OH BOY!!!!! What a camera 📷

[@jw0001]

Big Bend is a really nice park. Glad you dropped by. Nice photos. Welcome to Texas. Hot one minute and freezing the next.

[@saltydog1311]

Congratulations, Omar! Considering the circumstances you were under, those are amazing shots!

[@ogonzilla]

Thank you so much!

[@jaygreer7430]

A couple of those cemetery photos are my favorite. Love the main photo you took as well, which you shared at the end. Great effort even if you didn’t get exactly what you wanted.

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks so much!!!!!

[@wesleystreetshots]

The backlit buttons of the Z8 make it so great for astro. I apply the looney rule to stars and moon shots. I've gotten some good results with the Z8. F11, low ISO, and long exposure. Come to Phx next time lots of places to go and not nearly as cold! Nice shots. I mainly do street photography with a few weddings sprinkled in still and getting out of your comfort zone can be scary and eye opening at the same time.

[@ogonzilla]

Z8 Also has a red menu option to keep your night vision.

[@brianclayton1875]

I live near Dallas and love Big Bend. Been there several times and can’t wait to go back with my new Z8 this year! Perfect timing for this video and your landscape one…thanks!

[@ogonzilla]

Right on!

[@joshuarothman]

Hahaha, I love that "crime scene" photography is on your list. I look forward to that video, Omar!

[@ogonzilla]

It's already filmed. 😉

[@99jlink]

Last September my son took this New Jersey resident to northern Nevada outside of Elly for some astrophotography. It was magical. No moon. Perfectly quiet and a carpet of stars overhead. I got my best shot yet of the Milky Way, but the experience itself will always be what i’ll remember. Keep at it, Omar and next time take your kids!

[@larx4074]

Top!! Absolutely Top!!.....................

[@levirphillips]

Inspiring as always, Omar! Hope a really experienced astrophotographer offers to take you along somewhere, you'd do an amazing job of sharing as you learn I'm sure. Love that brick shack shot at the end, you nailed it.

[@oligerges8996]

Awesome shots and super video: ) good night

[@michaelhuttphotography9470]

Just started to watch your video. When you realise your camera is gone. I did the same thing. Stopped to take a shot. Drove for a while and looked at my passenger seat. It was gone. I moved back along the road. It was beside the road. Now I can continue with your video.

[@seeyah2221]

I always enjoy watching you whatever your videos all about.

[@bc82870]

Wow it is stunning

[@kennygo8300]

When I was a kid, I could see half of those stars in Dallas County. It's great to know, you can still see some stars in Texas. BTW... yeah, it's cold in the winter here.

[@Henry_Churches]

Awesome to see you out in Texas! But be glad it was cold. I have braved and suffered through a trip there in June when temps can reach 110+ during the day just because the milky way core was going to be out in all its glory at night.

[@ogonzilla]

Yeah, that would have been rough!

[@PhilJoe82]

Omar this was a fantastic Video. Thank you very much

[@robhamilton8993]

Love your idea about making a list of ideas to try. We’re still trying to perfect our night photography. Last time we were in state park in Georgia with a dark sky. Lot of fun but had to keep eyes out for Gators .

[@treyedean]

Thanks for sharing. My dad died last year and he lived in Terlingua. Big Bend National Park was his favorite place on earth. He loved it so much that he asked me to spread his ashes in the park, which we did last fall. Looks like you had a good time.

[@davidburlison9433]

Just left there yesterday. I was surprised about the ice that far south.

[@tjskinny]

Thats awesome! Very much enjoyed your video ! One good thing about the cold - no rattle snakes or scorpions to make it that much harder 😏. You have given me hope as I just started trying learn astrophotography as well. I have the same issues, waiting for clear skies… hard when you are in the Seattle Area. Got the bug with”trying” to taking photos of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). I picked up the move shoot move star tracker to help get longer exposures without the star trailing. Looking forward to seeing you next astrophotography session.

[@somegeezer]

Quite the shot in the dark [pun so very intended] to go out so far for your first time. Would definitely love to see you keep trying more of this, closer to home. Get some practice in, so you're ready whenever an opportunity comes in another trip, down the line.

[@ogonzilla]

Love the pun. Pennsylvania next. 😊