Meet Me Under the Stars: Night-Sky Photography

I used to work in an office, plugging away at my desk from 9-to-6. I can’t say I loved it. But I can say it motivated me to travel every weekend I could.

Come Friday EOD, I’d have my car pre-packed for a weekend adventure with my partner. We quickly adapted to life on the go. Five-or-six-hour drives became a norm. We’d land at our stated destination at around midnight and set up camp. Our tent area illuminated solely by headlamps and maybe the Moon overhead.

Once morning came, we’d see our surroundings in their full glory. There was nothing so beautiful and pure as waking up with the sun to see the world fresh and new.

We’d spend the weekend hiking, dancing, climbing, exploring, and—of course—photographing.

Summer nights were a special treat. Longer days and warm weather welcomed us to stay up late and watch the stars. I’d spend hours perfecting my astral photography while my then-boyfriend now-husband would try to memorize the constellations and their movements.

The sad truth about weekends is that they end. Another Monday rolls around and I’m back in the office again. Coworkers make the usual small talk—How was your weekend? Do anything fun? I eagerly tell them all about my adventures and—if they were really interested—I might even show them some photographs of our activities.

I had one coworker ask me—Wait, does the sky really look like that?

Yes, I responded. That’s the Milky Way.

Oh, I’ve never seen that before.

That struck me as really sad. Watching in wonder at the heavens is the essence of what it means to be human. How many of our ancestors watched the stars night after night? How many of our religions are based on heavenly movements? How many poets, photographers, and philosophers find their inspiration by looking at the night sky? What do we lose when we lose sight of the stars?

I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess. Someone who—feeling the fire of wanderlust in my heart—drove out into the deserts, the forests, the coastlines to enjoy nature in its many hues. I am happily blanketed by stars at night and warmed by the sun during the day.

I no longer work in an office. I live and work in the outdoors helping adventure couples capture their most special moments. It’s not something everybody can do or everyone even wants to do. But no matter who you are—remember to get out under the stars when you can.

Maybe you’ll even meet me under the stars.

Want your own starlit couple’s photos? Reach out to Love & Latitudes to book your adventure couple photos today!