Milky Way Streaming above Kessler Peak in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

After being inspired by the astrophotography of Desert Skies Photography www.desertskiesphotography.com , a once a month vendor at the farmers market this past season, I decided to try my hand at capturing the Milky Way. Upon seeing the results of my first attempts in Big Cottonwood Canyon, I realize I have a ways to go. I also can't wait to try this in the southern Utah desert with some light painting. This exposutre was 30 seconds at f3.5 and ISO 1600. Next time I'll try a prime lens that's  a little faster at f2.8.

North Thunder Mountain, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Here's an image that was taken soon after I switched to digital capture.  Taken about an hour after sunset, from the side of the road in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this 30 second exposure really shows off the Nikon D300 sensor's ability to gather light without noise. Light on the mountain is from the moon, out of the frame to the left.