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Ever since I have pursued night time photography and photography of the Milky Way I have always wanted to capture a tree silhouetted against the night sky with the Milky Way arching over it. I knew of a tree that would work, I just had to wait for the window of opportunity to present itself to me.

I studied maps of the Milky Way, watching and studying its movement through the night sky. I studied angles of height, arch of the Milky Way, which location and direction I would need to face. Everything had to come together for this one moment in time. With a decision made I set out in hopes to bring my vision to life. Nestled just outside of Augusta, WI rests an old oak tree along Highway 12.

I grabbed my gear and headed into the field. Finding the perfect angle seemed to be difficult but I knew I couldn't let this moment pass me by or I would have to wait days, weeks, months, possibly even a year before I would get another opportunity. With a clear sky and new moon I knew I had everything in front of me to bring my vision to life.

With my compass in hand I found the location and direction in which I wanted to attempt my shot. I set up my composition low and close to the tree to give you the sense of standing in the field. With a few passing cars I waited patiently to bring the panorama to life.

Looking at this shot it brings me back to the moment, standing in the field with the tree just outside the city limits. I couldn't help but feel a strong connection to the universe. Being apart of something so grand and expansive.

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