Failed trying to shoot the Milky Way from a parking lot in Flagstaff

I drove out to Flagstaff last summer thinking any dark spot would work for astrophotography. Pulled into a Walmart lot around 2 AM and set up my tripod, but every shot came out orange and blurry. Turned out the streetlights and car headlights were ruining my long exposures even though it looked dark to my eyes. Lost about 3 hours of sleep messing with settings before I packed up and drove 20 miles deeper into the forest. Now I always check light pollution maps on my phone before I pick a spot. Anyone else have a shoot ruined by unexpected light sources?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamesf2625d ago

Orange and blurry" sounds like you were shooting through car window tint on accident.

claire_walker25d ago

Feels like I accidentally joined a Wes Anderson film shoot.