The Stars above Lalande

[@susanknox5402]

Hello Michael. By the time you finished your explanation of how you created the final version of the photo I decided that you are as much artist as you are photographer. Bravo! 🇨🇦

[@pdq5465]

I agree with you 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@hildaovalle1455]

Michael, you must be “sick “ of hearing people tell you how talented you are. However, the picture of Lalande with the Milky Way gave me the impression of magic, not just talent. Wow!!!!! It gave me goosebumps. That was just marvelous. You are the best.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

That is amazing to read. Thank you so much.

[@carolewilliams5089]

That was so much better than I expected. Beautiful picture but the journey to get there was fascinating. I never imagined! Thank you so much.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@crazydays7]

Beautiful! You are, and have, the heart of an artist.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Wow, thank you!

[@gabbyharris2906]

Wow’s Michael well done capturing the beautiful Milky Way and the history of the origins of the Chateau. Your knowledge is creditworthiness. 🙏🏻👌🌝

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@crystalrogers2283]

A great way to end the night. Listening to Michaels voice telling a beautiful story .

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. That is so lovely to hear

[@leahhamdaoui7755]

Your photos do the spectacular character of La Lande full justice !!! bravO !!! 🏰🏰✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@leahhamdaoui7755]

Oh and I so enjoyed your commentary and poetic turn of phrase!! "...a series of pinpricks on the curtain of the night sky"

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!!

[@SandraWarmbreath]

Michael, I have studied astronomy on & off as a rank amateur since I was 11. As an engineer for an electronics components manufacturer that supplied space level components to most of our extra earth missions I was privileged to follow the successes of most important of the missions over 35 years that expanded our knowledge of the heavens and how it works. Now in my old age the location of my apartment building & the huge number of night lights means most nights I must stand outdoors for many minutes to see only a very few stars. I failed at viewing the Perseid meteor shower (maybe one from the corner of my eye) as well as the super blue moons, the last one didn't rise above the tall building until the effect others saw at moonrise was completely lost; we also have much haze from wildfires here in Oregon. The effect was of a fuzzy moon, I nearly cried! Then there is your grand photo of LaLande's night sky; it's simply wonderful and your concise lecture on the astronomy and photographic process was the best I've seen. You do should do a KZbin short to get additional exposure, I think that would be very successful. Your professional eye, experience, & training clearly shows! Please consider running less grand prints or even postcards of your work, many people with lesser means would love to have them, I would! Thank you again!

[@Vivi_Ann]

Such a thoughtful comment and very nice suggestions.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much. This photo was taken just at the end of the Perseid shower. I was amazed at how bright those shooting stars were compared to what I normally see. I am so sorry to hear that it is so hard for you to see the nights sky. If you send me a message on Instagram, @michael_potts_photography I will send you some of the other star images I took on the days leading up to this image. Thank you for all your suggestions. I’ll try and do all those :)

[@СергейПрол-ч7ф]

@@MichaelPotts-Photography a bas le capitalisme!!!🚩

[@laurenl5843]

Wow that was great. Astrology lesson and a photography lesson all-in-one. A spectacular photo! 😊💜

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@creatingrebeccah]

This photo is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing the process of creating this amazing piece of art.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much!

[@clairecooper9931]

Fantastic picture Michael, the stars are mind blowing. I’m lucky enough to live where there’s no light pollution too. I love the stars and the moon.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

It is so lovely seeing the stars clearly.

[@d14551]

This is a gorgeous photo and your explanation of how you created it was very interesting. Thanks!!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you liked it!

[@WilliamWise-jf1fe]

Thank you Michael I remember when I’d first seen the Milky Way in the skies over Wyoming respectfully

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

It must be stunning up there

[@WilliamWise-jf1fe]

It’s big Michael

[@alicekenworthy9603]

You have certainly captured the miracle of the night sky Michael …. Excellent work !

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!!

[@Marykguise]

Wow! Absolutely extraordinary photo, editing and history of the stars!! 💗 from Southern California

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you !!

[@dba750]

As a space nerd, I really appreciated your guide to the stars

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. I hope I got it right.

[@armymom8378]

Beautiful ! I've been captivated by the night sky since early childhood. I still go out at night, recline in my favorite chair with my binoculars and have a blast !😍❤🌌❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

That sounds lovely. It is amazing

[@hiris1903]

Genius Michael! Complex for sure, and fascinating. Gorgeous result!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christikapa3856]

Thank you, Stephanie, for putting this link to Michael's photography!! Michael, thank you for your amazing time and talent!!! Extremely exciting to see this picture! So pleased that you shared your step by step with us!!!❤❤❤

[@MP-xf6gq]

LOVED everything in this video. Thanks.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. That is so lovely to hear.

[@anastaciaciffo4286]

Just beautiful Michael love it

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

I’m so glad you liked it.

[@sandracuthbert1217]

you are not only a talented photographer but an excellent interesting storyteller. ❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@janemagee6831]

Oh Michael, I have been absolutely entranced by this marvelous video. Thank you for sharing such an incredible talent. Love, love, loved this!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!

[@plewis9969]

Wow, love the photo and the explanations. I remember an astronomer once saying that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on earth. Impossible to fathom really. ❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank-you. It is such a massively large number that it is hard to fathom.

[@chrissih4046]

Goosebumps, Michael! Goosebumps! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much!

[@albertpeckham8708]

Loved your photograph. As a child, I used to stand on our farm in Michigan, US and marvel at the milky way.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

That must have been stunning

[@nancyehuston]

Amazing artistry.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you

[@AntiqueAgenda]

Such a stunning photograph Michael!! It captures the magic that we all feel when watching the adventures at Chateau de Lalande💙💙💙

[@arnicepernice8656]

Yes the magic of heavy filters and hours of editing to create something that does not exist

[@Tracy_R]

Wow, wow, wow Michael this is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL! You're an artist indeed, with a great eye! Thank you for sharing, explaining & creating this lovely work of art.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀 it’s so lovely to hear such encouragement.

[@lorrainel2314]

Michael, that was EPIC 🌟 The stars are magnificent 💫

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much.

[@beckytalhelm6415]

This was very intriguing! Gorgeous photos of a most wonderful place. Hope to visit someday.

[@maryschlotter108]

This was wonderful Michael. If I were at LaLande ( patron) I would be out looking at the night sky for sure. Someday I hope to. You explained this so well, and it was so interesting. I’m going to share it with my son ( he’s close in age to you )who has captured the Milky Way over LI sound a few years ago. We have a planetarium a mile from our home on the summer estate of Wm Vanderbilt. So my children have grown up with a great appreciation for the night sky. This was delightful, thank you. It makes LaLande even more magical! Da Vinci really may have passed this way … that is so chilling. 💫

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

I hope your son likes it. Thank you so much for your support

[@valeriejohnson5283]

Hey Michael, Your photography of the stars over LaLande are amazingly beautiful. There are so many of them, and the Milky Way over the Chapel is wondrous! I enjoyed the history of some the stars. Yours voice is lovely to listen to also and can tell you enjoy what you do. Thank you so much.💖

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Wow, thank you

[@PamBolin1954]

I loved the photo and explanation of how you developed it. Thank you.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hedgewood7152]

Extraordinary photo! ✨🌞✨

[@LynnThompsonAuthor]

You are extremely talented! It's amazing what can be done with software today. I don't know if you're familiar with the photomontage art of Jerry Uelsmann, but I became mesmerized by that when I was in college at the University of Florida in the late 1970s, where he was a professor; he created all his images in a darkroom with the photographic technology of that era. I have a great appreciation for art, but lack the skills to create it myself so I'm always in awe of those who have those skills. Very nicely done!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Uelsmann’s work is incredible. The skill that took to pull off the the darkroom was amazing.

[@rubyklumpenhower9491]

Absolutely spectacular photo, Michael! Your talent is amazing!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@brianmatthews1736]

Michael, how absolutely wonderful that this is a home base for you in the middle of historic France. The fact that LaLande is in a part of France that does not experience light pollution is fantastic for photography of not only the grounds, and the vistas of the actual property, but the sky above at night. Stars have intrigued, and educated man for millennia...and the fact that both you, and Stephanie are history lovers, and preserve it in different ways is so advantageous to the community at large in preserving both the beauty, and the history of Lalande, and the people who live, love, work, and exist there in all life's different ways. Such respect, and admiration for both you, and Stephanie and your exquisite historic home, and of France!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. It’s so encouraging to read your comments. Thank you!

[@ibosquez5238]

Amazing shot! ❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!

[@clwm2dlw]

This photo is fantastical!!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!

[@paulainsc8212]

Amazing photography. Well done you!!

[@andreblum]

beautiful, Michael!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thanks 😊 how are you doing? Fancy a coffee after the F1 season?

[@tc7486]

This is great Michael. I’ve watched so many photographers talk about how they do things but I’ve never seen anyone explain their process as simply and easy to understand as you have here. Thank you.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. Is there anything I should look at more on the next video.

[@tc7486]

@@MichaelPotts-Photography I can’t think of anything. You explained perfectly how you got the finished shot. I’d never have guessed there were that many steps to get that image.

[@cjpowers9330]

Fascinating and I think the work of artistic brilliance.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much

[@luipaulo8975]

Hi Michael, you should have your own show on a major tv network. Love the photos. The narration is amazing. 😀

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much! That is so kind :)

[@ediatmelb]

Amazing photograph😍I always love listening to Michael....he got such beautiful voice. You're an awesome photographer ...very artistic the way you presented your photos.💥❤💛💙💚

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

*blush*

[@azuresea8086]

Gobsmacked over this stunner! And with history, astronomy and photography lessons too. Wow. In the 15th Century , those who dwelt in that glorious bucolic setting also gazed upon those very same stars! Mind blowing. 💥💥

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

It’s amazing how timeless everything is when you look up

[@crystalrogers2283]

Incredible skill . Blessed with talent . All so pleasant even what is beyond my skill of comprehension.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Wow, thank you

[@Randis-vv5hg]

Stunning,, Michael

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you

[@AvidHistory]

Your photography is always beautiful. You narration and information is very interesting. Well done!❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jasondubey8251]

Great Photo! In this photo of the Milky Way looks like the Angel of Lalande

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

That’s a beautiful way of looking at it

[@pdq5465]

I’m very impressed with all of the information you provide, along with your photographs. It’s amazing & much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your pictures and talent.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you like them!

[@sandramuis7430]

Wry beautiful photo! 👍🥰

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you 🤗

[@lenystipene60]

We too have stunning views of the milky way in Aotearoa New Zealand. We maori & New Zealanders, in New Zealand now celebrate Matariki. Our ancestors navigated by the stars to voyage to New Zealand. An integral part of our history. We also plant & fish by the moons cycles. Your photography is stunning Micheal. You also encompass a very spiritual part in this photograph. Truly a gifted, talented artist. I learnt a lot from my dad, who was an avid photographer throughout his life, portaying how we lived as a family, & a lot about our maori culture. Dads photographs are his legacy, to show our future generations how we lived. Thank you Micheal. You inspire so many people. Much love & light. 🙏💖

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

I can only imagine how beautiful the nights sky is in New Zealand. You are so lucky your father was a photographer, it must be wonderful looking at how he saw the world.

[@thewilliamseswonderfulworld]

Loved seeing all the historical pictures and stories behind the chateau. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photo.

[@annieherrick]

You are a true artist! Beautiful

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gioiapharo7433]

Wow - Brilliant - Gorgeous - Stunning …… you are a wonderful story teller

[@josephinewills8647]

Beautiful Explanation Michael, Your a Genius 👌👍👏👏👏👏👏🇮🇪

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Wow, thanks

[@Theteresamaria]

Im impressed Michael!! 🤩Hearing and seeing how you go about this process was very interesting! You are a true artist and beyond talented! Im so thankful you are doing this channel and sharing your stories and beautiful pictures! 😊❤️

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much! It’s so great to hear such encouragement

[@teresawalters5291]

Absolutely beautiful photo ❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much!

[@karendesmit5601]

Just stunning.

[@carolynducan1765]

Michael, thank you! You definitely capture magic! … I was going to say you “make magic happen”, however, since it’s always been there for us to see, I prefer to say you have “ captured” the magic in ordinary things which often we can not see with our own eyes. Thank you for sharing your passion, talent and knowledge with all of us. You are truly brilliant!..( like the Milky Way)!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Wow, thank you! That is so encouraging to hear.

[@mirjamvank3782]

Great video. GIves me more reason to once visit the chateau La Lande

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Go for it!

[@michelelynn6914]

Michael that photo is exceptional. The sky above the chapel is phenomenal 😊

[@mannyortiz4814]

Michael my darling. What magic you have in photography. You have captured the essence of life in the universe. Your talent is remarkable. I’m in love. Until next time. Take care and stay safe my love. Love ya 🍺🌞🙏🇺🇸🌹🕊👍❤️😇🌈

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you :)

[@deebowker768]

Such amazing images Michael ❤

[@kgal1298]

That's amazing I was wondering how dark it was there. I'm so interested in this because I was just in Hawaii doing some star gazing then trying to go to Joshua Tree in October to get some images. Being in LA you start to really miss the stars.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Very excited to hear you are going to Joshua tree, I’m hopefully going there in November

[@nancyweems5270]

Can't wait to see the chapel restoration and the reservoir felled in the future.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Me too. It will be documented completely :)

[@arnicepernice8656]

@@MichaelPotts-Photographywho is going to document it?

[@dianewetherill185]

Beautiful!❤

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindamoore9405]

Beautiful and educational. Thank you.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jodysappington7008]

Wonderful story..You did a great job of picture..Thank you so very much

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!!

[@carolann6072]

So interesting! Thank you Michael - and that photo is absolutely gorgeous!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rhonaalexander630]

Wow, just WOW, so informative ! Thanks from 🇨🇦

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FRanceSource]

Brilliant Michael.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much.

[@theresaromero2855]

Exquisite photograph and artistry

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you. That is so kind.

[@billymeyer99]

Thank you for this insight into the new art of light sculpture!!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Haha! They say photography can be painting with light… but maybe it is more sculptural.

[@lindamitman4538]

That was amazing Michael! I’ve followed your photography (and have been a patron of LaLande) for a quite a while - I loved hearing the explanations of how you pull all the images together to create these magical photos - it’s so interesting. I wonder if you follow Dr. Brian Cox from Manchester, I have seen him speak a couple of times and I just love how he describes the wonders of the universe in layman’s terms (or as layman you can get when speaking about physics 😂).

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much for your support. Yes I do follow Brian cox. He is incredible

[@annettewalter2273]

👏👏👏👏👏brilliant photographs

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hey Michael, everything beautiful does emerge in the end. Is it an illusion or reality? I guess when you live in a city it's what you make of it. Thank you for, allowing me the first time in my life to "actually" see the Milkey way. Much love from new York......

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

You should try and see it in real like, there are few things that can blow your mind as much as seeing the stars on a clear night.

[@diamondslashranch]

Such a beautiful photograph and getting to hear you talk about it is everything.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

I’m so glad you found it interesting

[@stephaniedavis6531]

The stars look like diamonds dripping from the heavens.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Oooo that is beautiful

[@shirleyleichliter4487]

Michael Potts your work is amazing loved video saving to rewatch ❤😊

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cathymaurer356]

Beautiful!!!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!!

[@louettahuddleson7194]

Beautiful photograph. 👏🏻👏🏻💞

[@paulgribble]

Thank you Michael that was very interesting and an amazing end result.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sindysimms4001]

Michael, the photograph is beautiful and makes me want to visit even more.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Make sure you pick a weekend that isn’t full moon for the best view of the stars.

[@barbarawilson2991]

It is Magical Michael. 💖

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!

[@summerrose8325]

I've always been fascinated by Star photography. I've been meaning to take this up as a hobby, or I guess expand a current hobby. I find myself in National Parks a lot, because I enjoy caving, and there is a park near me that is an official dark sky park. I think it'll be where I try this out first. Thank you for going into so much detail of the refining process. I'm also trying to teach myself to use Adobe, so I find it very helpful.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Go for it! It is a lot of fun, and I nice way to spend time appreciating nature.

[@xaxmac1948]

What a beautiful photograph Michael, your explanations of both stars and your photographic editing were super. Thank you, cannot wait for the next!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Gorgeous photo and love the historical details along with the maps. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelt8727]

Such an interesting and cutting edge mix of photographic artistry and complex technical detail. Your work always impresses, Michael.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you!!! That is so lovely to hear.

[@marilynwade9448]

Amazing photos

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you like them!

[@lizmasi9918]

Very interesting. Enjoyed this very much.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@janetwhitney233]

Michael your story is as beautiful as your photograph of LeLande. Thank you.

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaeldriebeekvanderven]

Thank you, Michael. I love how you take us step by step through your process and show us your craft from within 👌🏽 Not only am I exposed to the stunning beauty of your work, my general knowledge expands as well; a double win!! ✨✨ Sending you warm greetings from The Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Bedankt I’m so glad you find it enjoyable

[@mkats5102]

Beautiful image!! Love the milky way!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@denisemarle4141]

Hi Michael, you packed a lot of info into 8 minutes! Thank you, for bringing back childhood memories of my father teaching my sister and I about the stars... and for showing us there's so much more to a brilliant photo than pressing a button! The stars are out in Sydney tonight, just not quite as spectacular as Lalande....🦘

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m sure you have some stunning stars in Australia.

[@ElectroT0y]

This is so lovely!

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much

[@TheDoozer52]

That was totally fascinating! I came here from Stephanie"s channel. My Dad was a photographer and I used to be in his dark room with him and developed the black and white photos. All he had in his day was filters that he put over the enlarger, he even came up with this idea of taking the front cover of my older sister's valentine card which had a heart shaped into it, and covering it with one of my Mum's silk stockings. He held it over the enlarger to get a heart shaped photo with a softened effect. He used this on a photo of the couple with their wedding rings. I have been married 52 years and the first photo in my wedding album was our hands, with our rings inside a brandy glass. We lived in Belfast Northern Ireland then. My husband, two kids and I moved to Durban, South Africa in 1984 and lived there till 1990, then came here to Melbourne, Australia. My Mum and Dad lived here too, they are gone nearly 20 years. I sat through your vlog mesmerized and wished my darling Dad could have been sitting beside me, his mind would have been blown to see what can be done on computers now. God Bless you, I have now subscribed!! xxx Doreen

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much! I had a similar childhood with my dad and a darkroom, he also passed away and I wish he could experience photography now. I moved to the Natal south coast at a similar time to you. Hope you enjoyed it there.

[@irenewilson9323]

Wow what an amazing photographer you are 👏❤️

[@MichaelPotts-Photography]

Thank you so much 😀 that is so lovely to hear.