UPDATE - EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED! BAD WEATHER IS MOVING IN. OSCAR WILL REPLAN ANOTHER OUTING SOON!
UPDATE!
Oscar will meet anyone who would like to caravan to the site at the Miccosukee Service Plaza off I-75 (exit 49 Snake Road / FL833). He will be pulling out at 2:30am so be there before that.
Let’s kick off the Milky Way season right! Oscar is going to lead everyone in some excellent night & milky way photography in a very remote area of south-central Florida, Dinner Island Ranch. (See map link to your left.) Somewhere between Clewiston & Immokalee and the Big Cypress, it’s far from civilization and big on night skies.
Spend the night photographing the night sky, star trails, milky ways, and stick around for a glorious sunrise.
Since this one is so far away, we really need you to email us to RSVP. There’s no sense in Oscar driving over (and wasting all that gas) if no one else is going. So please, click here to email us and let us know you’re coming (also where you can ask questions if you have any).
What to bring:
Camera, wide angle lens with wide aperture (f2.8 or lower is ideal-just bring the lowest number aperture (f-stop) number lens you have), tripod, remote shutter release or be very knowledgeable in how to use the self-timer before you get on location, comfy chair, snacks, beverages, jacket or sweatshirt (with night comes cooler temps and the air will grow heavy. Even with no rain, you may get wet from condensation, a raincoat will come in handy), and to combat condensation on your lens, you may want to bring a lens warmer, or mitten warmers (I suggest wrapping those around the lens with a wide & loose-fitting headband-trust me $5 at Walgreens). A lens hood can also shield the dew a little bit. Just be aware that it may happen.
You may also want to get a night-sky app downloaded on your phone and learn how to use it beforehand. They can come in very handy when in the field; but learning how in the field is practically useless.
Speaking of learning, know how to find your camera buttons, dials, and settings in the dark. There is nothing more annoying when shooting the night sky with a group, than someone constantly turning on their flashlights. And NO colored lights unless all in the party are in agreement to their use for light-painting. Mind your going in-and-out of your car if the headlights and taillights flash when opening the doors. And be very cognizant if you feel the need to lock it. I don’t think any cattle will be out on the prowl, on the off chance you’ll be there, just to rob your vehicle of your spare tire. Just be very aware of what happens when you go in and out of your car. Like I said, arrant lights, especially the red taillights are extremely annoying and almost impossible to remove from an image in post. Makes for very angry photographers. Don’t be “that guy” who is ruining everyone’s shot. When in doubt, always ask before turning on a light, and or waiting until everyone is finished with their shot. Courtesy is KING!