Behind the Image: Jewels on the Water

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This image captures the galactic core of our magnificent Milky Way galaxy from Antelope Lake in Plumas County, California, on a mid-April morning. The small island in the frame is directly across from the Lost Cove Boat Ramp, the lake’s only launch facility. On this particular night, I was struck by the crystal-clear sky, aside from a few wispy clouds, which allowed for breathtaking star reflections on the water. The stars shimmered like scattered gemstones, creating a mesmerizing celestial display. The warm glow on the horizon to the left of the frame comes from the distant town of Portola, California.


I was honored to receive 3rd place in the National Wild Turkey Foundation’s 2023 photo contest in the Scenic Wild Landscape category for this image.

https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/2023-nwtf-photo-contest

Nightscape photograph titled “Jewels on the Water,” featuring the Milky Way’s galactic core rising over Antelope Lake in Plumas County, California. Captured on a crystal-clear April morning, the image reveals countless stars reflected on the calm surface of the lake, surrounding a small pine-covered island near the Lost Cove Boat Ramp. The faint glow of Portola, California, softly illuminates the horizon to the left, while subtle wisps of clouds add depth to the night sky. The long-exposure composition, created by stacking multiple frames for clarity and noise reduction, showcases the Milky Way’s brilliant core in hues of violet, rose, and gold — mirrored like scattered gemstones upon the tranquil Sierra Nevada waters.

Prints available here.

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