Guest Blog: Time Lapse Astrophotography by Luke Humphrey

One of my colleagues from my day job and photography club has been doing some amazing work lately, including some killer time lapse videos. Here’s one that he wanted to share with my audience that was so cool I couldn’t deny his request. I hope you enjoy it and hearing a little bit about what he has to say about it. – Ron

Since getting into alpine climbing a few years ago, I've become increasingly interested in time-lapse photography. I've been collecting footage in the mountains now for about 2 years, and I've recently stepped-up the creative possibilities by purchasing motion-control camera components from Kessler Crane and Dynamic Perception. We've all seen some inspiring time-lapse footage from a number of talented folks. My hope is to differentiate by taking this equipment into more difficult locations such as alpine glaciers and the summit's of high peaks, where technical skill/equipment and the ability to trek 60-70+ pounds of gear for up to 40 miles  can be required.

I know it sounds cliché, but it's difficult to put into words the experience of visiting some of these striking locations. Listening to the rumble of shifting glaciers and sound of thundering rock fall, hearing wild animals at night while sleeping underneath the Milky Way, waking up to thick clouds floating through your camp and parting to reveal visually striking peaks and valleys for miles, all of these experiences inspire me to create something that reflects these moments.

I'll continue to gather footage as I visit new places and experiment with new techniques such as astrophotography. This winter, I hope to have a piece completed that  represents my time above and below the clouds over the past 2+ years.

Once released I plan on sharing many of my "lessons learned" in a blog series, but here is a quick look at some of the equipment I generally use:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II - ISO performance at this level is required for astrophotography. Also you can ditch the tripod most of the time.
• Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 - I have the v1. Almost all of my landscape photography has been taken with this gem.
• Canon 70-200 f/4 - Non-IS version. Super sharp, and this version is the lightest of the Canon 70-200mm lenses. I have the 2.8 IS as well, but it's too heavy for the mountains.
• Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 - I don't think I've changed the battery in 5 years. Cheaper alternatives also exist [like this].
• Gitzo Traveler (see Ron’s GT1541 review) + Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head - Light and gets the job done. This head is the lightest head with a quick release plate I've found.

More info coming after I release the final video.

Luke Humphrey
Blog | Photography | Cinematography