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I’m a night photography teacher.

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Mike Shaw Photography, Mike Shaw, mike, shaw, photography, night, workshop, class, webinar
Venus shines through the early morning twilight on early July, 2020. It’s the bright dot peeking through the clouds to the left of the trees. This was on the first morning that I was able to observe Comet NEOWISE; little did I know that the nex
I'll be one of 40 international speakers at the May 10-12, 2021 NightScaper Conference, which is featuring over 70 programs about night photography. I’ll be delivering three presentations comprising an “Astronomy 101 for Nightscapers&rdqu
Blue hour is such a special time. In dark locations with clear skies where you can really see the colors changing minute by minute. Every direction you look you can see something different, from the vibrant oranges and reds near where the sun is belo
Boney Mountain, lower left, sits in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) on the northwestern border of the Los Angeles region in Southern California. Even so, you can catch the summer Milky Way from within the SMMNRA, as you c
Crescent Moon en Provence – We caught sight of the setting crescent moon, nestled between the branches of this old oak tree as we were preparing for an evening of star trail photography in the lavender fields in Provence, France. As twilight de
The central band of our Milky Way galaxy rises over a rock arch in the backcountry of New Mexico; now is the time of year when this type of image starts to become possible. Later in the year the Milky Way arches high in the sky when it emerges from e
The southwestern United States has a LOT of sculpted sandstone rock formations, like this one that is nearly 20 feet tall. Rock arches and windows, in particular, are some of my favorite features. Maybe it’s their natural framing possibilities,
Delicate bands of green colored airglow stretch across the sky in this late summer photo of Devils Tower in Wyoming. Airglow is the name given to the faint light given off by high altitude air at night. The energy is absorbed from sunlight during the
Los Padres Summer Nights - The Los Padres National Forest, tucked away behind Santa Barbara, California, is a little-known wilderness gem. I’ve spent many, many nights backpacking there under the stars; it has reliably clear nights for much of
Honoring the team responsible for imagining, designing, building and delivering the Perseverance to Mars. As a friend exclaimed, “The audacity!” The details are straight from a science fiction movie – parachute into an alien planet,
Monument Valley Sunset – There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset with a good friend, am I right? Especially when you’re treated to one of the most spectacular views imaginable – the iconic Monument Valley Tribal Park sk
A Thirsty Night in the Desert – From quite a few years ago, under a bright moon backpacking in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua trees are unusual looking plants, and belong to the yucca family. They grow in arid desert regions in southern Cali
Mono Lake Milky Way The summer Milky Way rises above the brackish shoreline in California’s Mono Lake. I liked how the curved eddies in the water followed the general shape of the galaxy’s central band, as well as the slightly distorted s
Favorite Locations – Even though I’ve visited here dozens of times, it never gets old. Where’s your go-to spot? . . . . . #astrophotography #nightphotography #nightsky #starrysky #milkyway #california #californiadreaming #california
One year ago – this image is from last year’s trip to Death Valley National Park, during their Annual Dark Sky Festival in February, 2020, where I was a presenter. Death Valley certainly lives up to its reputation for clear, dark skies! H
Cotton candy skies in the Alabama Hills region of California's Eastern Sierra. Look closely at the ground; notice the sandy soil, and the widely dispersed plants. Am I the only one whose mind is blown by the fact that the soil surface you see here is
This Aurora Borealis show exploded out of nowhere. My workshop students and I were set up with nervous anticipation on the edge of small pool in south Iceland a few years ago. The crescent moon was setting, a few wispy swirls became apparent…
Hovenweep National Monument in Utah, USA, is the home of spectacular Ancestral Puebloan structures. And what better way to experience them than under the deep colors of evening twilight that you only get in crystal clear, dry desert skies? The almost
Natural Bridges Starry Night - The nearly full moon lights up the canyons and starry skies in Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, USA on a quiet night in October. Natural Bridges is Utah’s first National Monument. It is also a Dark Sky P
What to do as a night photographer when winter brings cloudy skies and snow? Simply string colored lights along the top of a small stone wall, as is the case here in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and wait for the magic to happen! Here, you can s