The shy Milky Way

I was killing some time over Facebook, as I do every now and then, and in the process, I stumbled upon an amazing picture of two of my favourite subjects in the same image. Bodiam Castle and the Milky Way But how is it possible? The UK is not that dark at night; is this real?

I rushed to comment. I asked the master, please tell me a couple of things: when have you taken this great picture? And can one just walk to Bodiam Castle at night?

So kind are people—so very kind. The gentleman told me that the picture was taken just a few days ago and that the castle would be closed. But the willing photographer could walk around it with no issues.

For so long, I was eager to capture this amazing subject, The Milky Way, but I knew that I had to find the darker of the skies; the closest place can be found over to Scotland.

And the Milky Way is so fussy. She shows herself only in the nights with clear skies and no moon. It is very tricky to get all of these conditions here in the UK.

So there I was, on Friday night, after work, driving some 100+ miles, finding my way on dark paths, thinking that I really needed to purchase a proper torch. The same thought I had when I was trying to focus on the castle was that I could barely see its shape through the viewfinder.

I somehow managed to focus. I somehow managed to take pictures with long exposures. I couldn’t see the Milky Way with bare eyes, but once the proper settings were dialled in the camera and the picture was taken, I could see it in the sky, somehow watching over the old castle.

I missed it. I missed going out, adventuring into the pitch black, and creating. I’m back! Oh, I am back!

On the picture itself, Now, here is where my friends are telling me to stop talking, as I am always too harsh, and too critical of my own work. I’ll just say this. It could have been better. But this is the first time I have captured the Milky Way; this is my first attempt, I will say: It is good enough.