The top of the list for my New Year resolutions in 2022 was to not miss out on Milky Way season this year. Yes, we can see the Milky Way all year long, so why a season? During the fall and winter months from our view point in the Northern Hemisphere, the most we can see of our galaxy is facing outward to the space beyond, through the spiral arm. I've been patiently waiting for spring to come to shoot inward to the galactic core.
Another reason I was so anxious to shoot the stars again was that a few years ago, I owned the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8. This thing was glorious, though I didn't fully appreciate it at the time. I purchased it for my photojournalism years ago, and when that chapter ended, I decided to sell it and buy a far cheaper prime lens to substitute it. The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8.
My logic was that the angle was a little wider and the lens far lighter to deal with in my bag than the Tamron. There is nothing inherently wrong with the Rokinon, there's just a reason for the price difference. One I didn't notice until it was too late, and regrets of selling the Tamron haunted me.
I was running an errand at a Sacramento camera store in December when I looked down in the glass case and saw the Tamron sitting amongst all the used lenses for a far cheaper price than I could have ever imagined. With a little haggling, it was back in my bag. I wanted to use it on the stars again. When my friend had the wild and crazy idea to meet at 3:00 AM at Lassen Volcanic National Park to photograph the core rising, I was so in and ready to join, Tamron or no Tamron.
We both had a 2 hour drive. The morning began at 1:00 AM. I packed coffee, my travel tripod, the essential lenses I knew I would want, and met up with my friend at Manzanita Lake. Not only was there safety in numbers at this hour in the morning, but the great company and shared enthusiasm kept me awake, alert and excited. We gawked as soon as we saw the core and photographed it for 2 hours, even with the low temperatures and wind-chill at 5,800 ft. My hands were pink, but the joy I felt taking photos of the sky overrode any discomfort.
As soon as blue hour came, we left for a lookout to catch the sun light up Mt. Shasta with a sunrise glow, and then it was back to the lake for morning light around Lassen. There was no rest for the weary as we soaked up every vista we could. My Tamron was everything I remembered it being and more when it came to the stars. I love how the dark skies of this national park brought out the reds and blues of cool and hot distant suns.
I am thankful to live near many beautiful places, but even more so, I am grateful to have amazing people in my life who share in the enthusiasm for this art. It's times like these that remind me that of all the many things I enjoy doing, this still has to be my favorite. The price of these photos were a night of no sleep, one badly bruised knee (clumsy me), and a couple of lost hex keys. A fair price to pay for a night of core memories.
Comments