While I explored the Coromandel peninsula with my friend Allison a few weeks ago (visiting Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach), I have the opportunity to return with the Stray bus tour. I spend most of our daytime hours working away on my laptop, editing photos, and preparing blog posts. But at night our bus driver clues us in on a little secret… Coromandel is one of the best places in New Zealand to see the night sky. Our group gathers flashlights and ventures down to the beach for some stargazing.
Let’s talk cameras for a moment. For the last four years I’ve used a Canon XSi. But just before I began my RTW trip I invested in a new camera body, the Canon 5D mark ii. I’d anticipated this purchase for years but it was still a big decision with a hefty price tag. Would the new camera body really make a difference in my photography? Could I justify the expense after leaving a steady job with no idea when I’ll earn income again?
Luckily I’m very happy with the new camera body and it proves its weight in gold with these nighttime shots. I use my trusty fisheye 15mm f/2.8 lens, set the focus to infinity, and the ISO to 4000. I’m so pleased with the results — I don’t think I could have captured these images with my former camera body.
Here’s the Milky Way:
The photo below on the right is the trickiest to capture. I set the focus on my face (not easy in the dark) while the camera is propped up on a fence post . Then I hold extremely still for about ten seconds. I get some strange looks from my fellow Stray bus passengers as I set up this shot, but the final image of me with the Milky Way over my shoulder is worth it.
This is one of the clearest places I’ve ever seen the night sky. Where is your favorite spot to watch the stars?
Awesome shots, Erica! You need to come to Austin to shoot some star pics because ya know: the stars at night are big and bright – CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP – deep in the heart of Texas!
Thanks Michael!! And I’m long overdue for a trip to Texas…will you sing that song as I take night photos?
Wow! I’ve really enjoyed your photos — so many are spectacular — but these are just jawdroping! And it’s not just the camera. Great job!
Thank you so much, Beth! It means a lot to know that I have friends back home following my journey. Thanks for the kind words!
These are REALLY good. Love all of your pictures so far.
Thanks Andy! I’ve never seen the Milky Way so clear before; I’m so pleased it photographed that well!
My favorite place to watch the stars? Shoe dept at Barney’s.
Great shots, Erica!!!!!!
Ha! Lisa, your comment literally made me laugh out loud. Can you see the North Star from Barney’s?
These are great shots! Now I have another bucket list place to visit. Stunning.
Thank you Lori! It is a very worthy bucket list addition!
I didn’t even know seeing the milky way was possible like that from Earth. That might be a naive comment, but I had no idea! Those are incredible, incredible pictures!
Thank you! It was a perfect evening for it — the moon wasn’t out so we could see more of the sky and we were far enough away from cities so there was no bleeding light to ruin our night vision. I used a long exposure to illuminate more of the sky and increase depth. But even with all that, I’m surprised at just how great they turned out!
the pictures are truly AMAZING! Really wonderful shots here.
Thank you! It was a stunning place to practice night photography. I’m so pleased with how they came out.