April involved four Astro shoots (which was much less than I would have liked). Sometimes you have to make compromises with your time. However, some of the photographs I took, were my favourite of the year.
My first location was west Cornwall’s Kynance cove. I have visited this beach many times and never get tired of this wonderful location. The winter sky was the prominent feature this night and despite shooting the Milkyway core here before, this was my first time shooting the winter sky. I remember arriving in Blue Hour and making a timelapse as the sky darken and stars began to show. I didn’t have much of a plan regarding compositions but knew I wanted to shoot in the westerly direct to feature the setting winter sky and the Zodiacal lights.
Winter sky and Zodiacal Light over Kynance Cove.
After my first composition, a dash to the other side of the cover to capture this view along the cliffs.
My second shoot of April was at Hound Tor, on Dartmoor. This was an after work dash to my favourite Dartmoor Tor. The rocks are impressively rugged, weathered and stand dark and tall over the area. There are endless compositions too, depending on the time of year. This particular view is high on an opposing stack looking northeast. I remember clambering up carefully to this viewpoint only to be greeted by the cold northerly wind howling face on. I stayed long enough to capture this composition before retreating.
Hound Tor - Dartmoor
A stone throws away from Hound Tor is this most recognisable Dartmoor Tor, Bowen’s Nose. A unique weathered stack of rocks unlike any of others on Dartmoor. This was my third trip through April, the second trip (which was also to Bowen’s Nose) was a disaster. I misjudge a lay-by and stranded my car when attempting a three-point turn. To cut a long story short I needed to arrange a 4 by 4 to recover my car the following day. So it was nice to re-visit this location without any drama. In my opinion, the best composition faces northerly, so I opted for this star trail capture. Was also fortunate to capture a car trail, adding a bit more interest to the scene.
Bowen’s Nose - Dartmoor
For my fourth trip, I fancied visiting the coast. With a low tide and moonless sky, I thought it a good opportunity to attempt a new location, Holywell Bay. This wonderful beach has plenty of striking features. The first feature I stumbled across was this amazing cave framing the pair of small islands. Just looked fantastic under the starry sky.
Hollywell Bay - Cornwall
My second composition from the night was looking down this rocky stream.
Hollywell Bay - Cornwall
My final shoot of April was a fantastic all night affair down West Cornwall. My first location of the night was at Gurnard’s Head. The moon was still up at this stage of the night, casting a wonderful light over the landscape and headland. I found this group of flowers, which I got low down to wish my wide-angle lens to create this composition.
My second location this night took me west to Porthgwarra. A quaint little cove nestled amount rugged granite headlands. Met up with fellow photographer Jen Rogers for this part of the shoot. My first time glancing at the Milkyway Core this year, and what an amazing dark sky location to watch it. We spend the rest of the night making a few different compositions around the cove until the light of dawn arrived.
