Dark skies

[DeMorcan]

I wanted to post this site for those into photographing the Milky Way and astrophotography. I see one is in Virginia near Rob. There are other places that also do the same thing. These places have rules regrading outdoor lighting so it is aimed at the ground and not going into the sky along with other rules to improve sky viewing. I know the 2 I go to are not on the list. Still, this may be a starting place for people who did not know about the Dark Sky program.

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conser ... dsp/parks/

And for Rob
https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conser ... tate-park/

[edjuh]

I gave a bit of push onto darksky Netherlands back in the days.
Hoping some more reserved spaces gain the dark sky badge.
Traveling is expensive over here, so I kinda lost the urge to go astro.

[DeMorcan]

I was really serious about astrophotography for a few years. I shot the Messier 100 (104) and started the Herschel 400 as well as the Milky Way and sky shots. I knew the photos were the same as everyone else's as there were no unique views. It was the process not the results that meant something. Once I could do it, I kinda lost interest. But I love the dark sky counties I go to just to lay and watch the sky. And it sure is a big help to people who are just starting astrophotography.

[Rob Trek]

Thanks for that link. I do see Sky Meadows on the list which is only about 1.5 hours away. About 3 hours away is Spruce Knob which is host to many star parties. I actually drove by it on my way to Seneca Rocks.

It is all about the process, not just astro, but I think photography in general. At least for me, I doubt I'll ever have a "style" or be remembered for my photos and that's fine. I just enjoy photography and that's enough.

I know what you mean about losing interest once you've achieved your shot. Kinda like the moon shots for me. I did it a few times, go what I think is the best I can do, then kinda lost interest.