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.

This image is the result of a five hour long exposure. Captured on a cloudless, windless night, near the new moon, conditions were perfect for this type of photography. With the camera mounted on a tripod, I locked the shutter open after total darkness had descended. This was after an incomparable day spent in "the Subway".